Sermon For Thanksgiving

 


SERMON FOR THANKSGIVING DAY


On the fourth Thursday in November we pause as a nation, so that we can give thanks. Governor William Bradford of Plymouth Colony initiated the practice back in 1621. President Lincoln reaffirmed the sentiment in 1863. And finally, in 1941 an act of congress designated the observance as a national holiday. Therefore, it can be understood as our civic duty; you are being a responsible citizen when you set aside that particular Thursday for the sake of giving thanks. 


In order to be a responsible Catholic, you will need to pick up the pace. You will need to give thanks on a more frequent basis. After all, the word “Eucharist” (deriving from the Greek) can be translated as THANKSGIVING. This means that every trip to church can be considered an act of thanksgiving. You give thanks first of all for the gift of salvation. Next, you give thanks for the Heavenly outreach that comes to you through the consecrated Bread and Wine. Third, you give thanks for your family members, also your friends. And, while you are at it, you give thanks for the blessings that you have experienced in your life. 


When you review the blessings that have taken place, be mindful of all that has happened through the course of the week. Additionally, be sure to note what has not happened. Using a type of shorthand approach, the former can be called “active blessings.”  Meanwhile, the latter can be referred to as “passive blessings.”  When a baby is born, this represents an active blessing. When you get a promotion, this can likewise be looked upon as an active blessing. You’re grateful for something that has happened. You’re saying thank you to the Lord because you appreciate the positive event that has taken place. 


As for the passive blessings, perhaps an illustration will be helpful. An asteroid was heading our way back in July of 2019. If the asteroid had made impact with the earth, the force of devastation would have covered an area spanning fifty square miles—enough to completely destroy any of our major cities. How close of a call was it? Forty thousand miles might not sound like a close call. However, in astronomical terms it was an extremely close call. We see the moon as something familiar, as our closest celestial neighbor. The asteroid from 2019 passed within one fifth of that measured distance. It passed us by, and for that we need to be thankful. We are talking here about a profound—even cosmic—passive blessing. 


The point is that we have many reasons for giving thanks. It’s not too much to ask when the government calls for a day of thanksgiving. Furthermore, it’s not too much to ask when the Church calls for a pattern of regular Sunday worship. Arrive fifteen minutes early. Lower the kneeler. Spend some time reflecting. Reflect upon the active blessings. And don’t forget to reflect upon the passive blessings. In other words, be thankful for all that has happened, and for all that has not happened. 

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