THANKSGIVING 2015

    

 

     On this Thanksgiving Day in the United States, the Collect Prayer at Mass says the following:

"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."

 

     And in the Preface we hear:

 

"You have entrusted to us

the gift of freedom,

a gift that calls forth

responsibility and commitment

to the truth that all have

a fundamental dignity before you.

In Jesus,

through his Death and Resurrection,

we find our ultimate redemption,

freedom from sin,

and every blessing."

 

     In these days and our discussions regarding refugees and immigration, both legal and illegal, let us remember who the refugees were in the story of our first thanksgiving, and of the need today to "open our hearts to have concern for every man, woman and child" to those who come to our shores.

 

     But most importantly, let us give thanks for the blessings of our loving God.  Mine are abundant and rewarding.