Praise + Thanks = Appreciation
by Fr. David M. Knight
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Thanksgiving Day
Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a/Lk 21:20-28 (Lectionary 506)
(Use any readings from the Lectionary for Ritual Masses (vol. IV), the Mass, “In Thanksgiving to God,” nos. 943-947)
It gives us a good feeling about our Church to see in today’s Mass prayers that we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving without asking God to “open our hearts to concern for our fellow men and women, so that we may share your gifts in loving service.” We see ourselves as stewards of all God has given us, called to “manage” everything for the good of all. “From your hand we have received generous gifts so that we might learn to share your blessings in gratitude.” We ask that the Mass itself, the “perfect sacrifice of Jesus,” will “draw us closer to all our brothers and sisters in the human family.” Our goal is always the “unity and peace” of the Kingdom: people sharing the Bread of the banquet in total, universal forgiveness and love. “Give us this day... and forgive us....”
It may seem negative to read Luke 12:15-21 on Thanksgiving Day. Jesus is warning us, as we rejoice in what we have, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” But it is really good news.
God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”
This invites us to think how it will be for those who have turned over all they have and are to God to abandon themselves to the work of his kingdom. The next lines are:
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or what you will wear.... strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
But once we are thinking “end time,” we are thinking of blessings beyond imagination. Joel 2:21-27 begins by promising green fields and fruitful trees. But the passage ends suggesting more:
He has dealt wondrously with you.... You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel. I am the Lord your God... My people shall nevermore be put to shame.
Colossians 3:12-17 tells us to make every day Thanksgiving: “Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness.” How? “Let the word of Christ rich as it is, dwell in you.” If we read God’s word, he will give us a perspective on life that lifts us above the humdrum or the hassling routines of daily life. “In wisdom made perfect, instruct one another.” Our conversation should reach the level of mystery. “Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.” If we do this consciously, we will “give thanks to God the Father through him.”
So use the WIT prayer: Lord, do this with me, do this in me, do this through me” — all day long.
Initiative: Praise and thank. This is the formula for appreciation. Of anybody.
Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry
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