Next week, we’ll gather together for Thanksgiving. In our homes or at the church, we will share a meal together in remembrance of people coming together to share ideals and ways in which to flourish amid diversity. The pluralistic nature of our first encounters in this world, as well as the ‘new world’ back then, continue to inform us concerning the differences we possess while attempting to live together in community.
As a microcosm of the wider world, the church exhibits similar attributes of the wider pluralistic society. Yet, our differences can be more easily lived through due to our shared belief in the Holy Trinity. Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which our community is built, thus creating a shared sense of belonging not readily found in the wider world. In short: We are special, set apart, and encouraged to spread good news and THE Good News to the rest of the world.
This world doesn’t receive good news readily, nor does it allow for a pervasive exchange of thanks, given the daily chaos surrounding us. Yet, that’s where we can be of service. As we experience Thanksgiving next week, I hope we will be reminded that every day is given to us in thanksgiving to God. Our thanks should be directed in eternal gratitude toward Christ for his ultimate sacrifice. The meal we share together next week mimics that which we take part in every Sunday. We will gather together. We will say prayers. We will fellowship with each other. We will share news of our lives and love with those to whom we are kin. The difference between that meal and the one shared each Sunday is simple: One occurs once a year and is in temporal thanks, the other is every week and in remembrance of passionate sacrifice and eternal love.
Be thankful, my friends. Be thankful for your loved ones, passed, past, and present. Be thankful for your church community, and for those who have yet to join us. And ultimately, be reminded that we live in a perpetual moment of thanksgiving which began at the table of the Last Supper, witnessed the loving sacrifice on the cross, and culminated in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to God for that, for you, and for this place we now call home. Thanks be to you, and thanks be to God.
Faithfully,
Fr. Sean+