Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26:26

This beautiful scripture shows us the importance of giving thanks always. Jesus’ great act of thanksgiving is the Eucharist, and in it He gives us Himself as our spiritual food. What an act of thanksgiving! How can you top that! President Lincoln declared a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863. Long before Thanksgiving was a “day,” Thanksgiving was given to us in the scriptures as a loving responsibility. God’s Word says, “Be you thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

Thanksgiving is an amazing grace. When we are thankful, worries cease; complaining disappears; and peace reigns in our hearts. When we learn to be thankful; when we develop an attitude of gratitude; we’re a happy and contented people. Thanksgiving frees us from being critical, angry, and depressed. Thanksgiving brings healing, laughter and joy into our lives. It is the elixir of the soul.

You will find the song of thanksgiving everywhere in the Bible. The Israelites had special days of thanksgiving and festivals when they came before the Lord to express their gratitude to Him. Some of the levities were set aside to leads God’s people in thanksgiving. Many of the Psalms are dedicated to the message of thanksgiving. We are called to enter into the courts of the Lord with praise and thanksgiving. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,” is an anthem which is found in psalms 107, 118 and 136.

Jesus always gave thanks to His Heavenly Father. When He prayed before meals, He would give thanks; and when He celebrated the first mass in the upper room, He gave thanks before He broke the bread, and gave it to His Disciples, saying “This is My Body.”

Praise is also a part of thanksgiving. When we praise the Lord we show our gratitude and thanksgiving. Learn to praise one another rather than tear each other down. Learn to see the good in each other rather than the bad. In this way, you will give thanks to Our Heavenly Father who make the sun shine on the good and the bad alike, and the rain fall on just and unjust.

Happy Thanksgiving one and all;

Fr. Hugh Duffy