Today is Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day.
In the readings for Mass for Thanksgiving Day, we read, “And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth; Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb, and fashions them according to his will!” (Sir 50:22).
On this Thanksgiving Day, as we gather around our tables, we are invited to pause and, like our first president, George Washington, recognize the profound hand of Providence that sustains us, guiding our lives and our nation through every blessing and trial. Washington’s proclamation reminds us that gratitude is not only an expression of thanks but a humble recognition of our dependence on God’s infinite goodness. At Mass today, we thank God our Father “from whose hand we have received generous gifts.” Today, we remember that all the good in our lives flows from his abundant generosity.
In a special way, Washington highlighted the “civil and religious liberty” with which we are blessed — freedoms that enable us to worship God freely and to live according to his will. We might consider how precious this gift truly is and how it calls us to not take for granted the peace we enjoy. At Mass we pray, “You have entrusted to us the great gift of freedom, a gift that calls forth responsibility and commitment to the truth that all have a fundamental dignity before you.” Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on the many ways God’s providential hand has been at work in our lives, in our families, and in our communities through trials and joys alike. And a moment to reflect on our fidelity to the gifts we have received from him.
Washington’s prayer also includes a plea for forgiveness, recognizing that as a nation and as individuals, we are imperfect and in need of God’s mercy. At Mass we pray that God will “open our hearts to have concern for every man, woman and child, so that we may share your gifts in loving service.” In giving thanks for the blessings we have received, we are also called to be a blessing to others, imitating the generosity of God by sharing his gifts with those in need.
As Catholics, Thanksgiving is an especially poignant reminder of the Eucharist — the word itself meaning “thanksgiving.” In every Mass, we participate in the ultimate act of gratitude by offering thanks to God for the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ, who gave himself up in love for our sake.
Today, let us pray with gratitude for our loved ones, for the freedoms we enjoy, for the food we share and for the Faith that sustains us.
Prayer on Thanksgiving Day:
Father all-powerful, your gifts of love are countless and your goodness infinite; as we come before you on Thanksgiving Day with gratitude for your kindness, open our hearts to have concern for every man, woman, and child, so that we may share your gifts in loving service. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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