Our very life and the source of all goodness and mercy come from the Lord God. As Psalm 107:1 reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Saint Paul also calls us to gratitude, urging us to offer thanksgiving for all that we have in Christ Jesus: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Every time we gather at the altar and receive Jesus in the Eucharist—whose very name, derived from the Greek eucharistia, means “thanksgiving”—we are called to something greater. While it’s easy to focus on complaints about our circumstances, or lament how the paycheck no longer stretches as far for our Thanksgiving meals, we must not allow these worries to overshadow the light of Christ that dwells in each of us. A grateful heart is a joyous heart. When we cultivate gratitude—whether for the gift of life, our family and friends, or even that one coworker, friend, or family member who challenges us—we open our hearts to something higher.
As we gather around the table today, let us take a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for. Let us lift up all our worries, concerns, and troubles to the Lord God.
From today’s Collect Prayer at Mass:
“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 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, forever and ever. Amen.”
StreetEvangelist 