November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving Day
And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth; Who fosters men’s growth from their mother’s womb, and fashions them according to his will! May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; May his goodness toward us endure in
I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:4-7
And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Luke 17:15-17
Piety
God, this is a day for saying “Thank you,” and acknowledging that you are the source of all the blessings we enjoy. In spite of all the challenges we face, we are richly blessed. “Thank you.” This is also a time for us to gather as a family and ask for your help and healing. You never promise that our lives will be easy; but you do promise strength, and the wisdom we need to prevail. “Thank you.” You are welcome here at our table. At times we fall short of being everything you have intended for us. But this is why we pray: to express our gratitude and to ask what we cannot make happen on our own. Bless our conversation, and this food. And when we come back together next year, may we be able to recognize the ways that you have brought us closer - as individuals and as a family - to the destiny you have for us. We say again, ahead of time, “Thank you,” in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Thanksgiving Prayer: Dinner Prayer for Not-So-Perfect Families from www.belief.net and originally shared with me by Alan Souers)
Study
The story of the ten lepers has stayed with me in a special way ever since October 14, 2001. On the closing of the 104th Cursillo, this was the reading from the Good News during Mass (we used to have Mass at closing.). I remember Deacon Jack Ligon smiling at the ten men who were participated on that weekend and musing that the Secretariat would have to pay closer attention to the readings for the weekend when signing up candidates. Many of these have had fond reunions at Mañanita, Closing ceremonies and by serving on teams together most recently when Carlos Hillman was rector of the 119th Weekend.
The date of that closing ceremony also is my mother’s birthday. It serves as another whack on the side of my head to remember everything she has given throughout her life to make life in the world easier for her three children and many others who were helped by her work, warmed by the blankets she crocheted, nourished by the food she prepared and sheltered under her roof because the doors were always open to family, friends and strangers.
Today, as she sits in a care center unable to remember much of her earlier life due to advanced Alzheimer’s disease, our best witness to her life is to remember her sacrifices in Thanksgiving and pass them on to those around us.
Action
Write a thank you note to someone for something they have done in your life. Don’t forget to send it.
Thank you sponsor Esther Silva, Rector Dave Mauer, Spiritual Directors Fr. John Adams and Deacon Jack along with the entire team who showed us the way during the best Cursillo weekend ever!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
