A Day Devoted to Gratitude
“The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come. No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. “
These words came from Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation in 1863. By the standards of today, a shocking statement issued by a civil servant. They are indeed powerful words, pregnant with meaning, and resonate in the depths of the human heart even today because they belong to our Judeo-Christian tradition.
Centuries ago, the Israelites knew of the bounty God had given them. “But when you have eaten and are satisfied, you must bless the Lord, your God, for the good land he has given you.” Years later, the descendants of those first blessed were fed by Jesus, who multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed thousands.
The bounty of the day was only a prefiguring of what God would offer his people for generations to come. Those fed by Jesus enjoyed a day of satisfaction, but God is never undone in generosity. On the right, he was betrayed; he took bread and wine, said the blessing, and gave it to his disciples to do the same in memory of him.
The meal Jesus provides and we receive each Sunday is the ultimate bounty called the Eucharist. The word derives from the Greek “eucharistica,” meaning “thanksgiving.” Today, we celebrate a national Thanksgiving, hopefully acknowledging that the basic needs we use and enjoy come from God.
But Thanksgiving should not be a one-day event, for we are blessed every day. Those who receive the Eucharist regularly are more apt to have thanksgiving as part of their lives because they know the tremendous gift they receive. By communing with God, we realize we have not forgotten God, but it also assures us that God has not forgotten us. Christ’s promise to be with us always and everywhere is fulfilled, even in our failures.
Besides God’s gracious bounty, both physical and spiritual, today we give thanks to those around the table with whom we share our annual meal. These family and friends have also been given to us by God, and our thanks for their presence should be part of our gratefulness.
Included on this day should be a short prayer uttered for those who gave so much to us and are no longer with us on the earthly journey. We pray they are at rest.
Let us also remember our country and give heed to Lincoln’s sentiments. [We] “fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.”