Pentecost XXV
November 19, 2023
“Thanks . . . Giving . . . Caring . . . Loving . . . Helping”
Throughout this Thanksgiving weekend, groups of people gather for a meal, sharing food and companionship, with each group and each meal exceptional in its own way. Seeing TV reports of huge crowds at airports and heavy traffic on the highways emphasizes how important ”going home” and being with loved ones is to large numbers of people. However, it’s not possible for everyone, and a wide variety of reasons can prevent people from making the trip — or having someone make the trip to be with them.
It’s so human to want holidays to be joyful, fulfilling times, and we need to remind ourselves that “perfect” doesn’t really exist, and movies or TV shows aren’t real life. There are those times when money is tight, there are family tensions, or there are serious health concerns and the whole group isn’t gathered together as it has been in the past. Or it might be the first holiday without a loved one at the table, and we’re keenly aware of that absence when the family gathers. We acknowledge the sorrow, and don’t minimize the loss, but can then be grateful for the loving relationships that have blessed our lives. And we can further be thankful for the support and understanding of those around us.
One of the delightful, unique qualities of Thanksgiving is that it’s an exceptionally inclusive holiday. Churches and other organizations provide meals for groups as well as delivery to those unable to attend. Other groups distribute all the ingredients for a Thanksgiving dinner to families in need of food assistance, and there’s a sense that as communities we feel that it’s important that everyone is included in the experience. The recipients are thankful, and the volunteers who work and serve are thankful to be able to help.
Every day provides an opportunity to reflect God’s abundant love and never-ending care for his people. We have numerous expressions of thanksgivingthroughout the Bible, from Psalm 95: “O come let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”
The Apostle Paul instructed the church in Corinth on the understanding of God’s generosity: “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
As we are the recipients of God’s love and goodness, Paul reminds us that we are blessed in such abundance, that we have more than enough to share with those in need, whether they are in need of a meal or are spiritually hungry for the words of love and forgiveness from Christ our Lord. For this day and every day filled with the joy of serving others in our Lord’s name, we are truly thankful!
Blessed and thankful in so many ways,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers