Thanksgiving

November 25, 2022
Author: Hannah DeVivo

Peace be with you!

I hope you had a joyous Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, food, and a thankful heart.

Giving Thanks

This year I found myself particularly interested in what Thanksgiving means to us as Christians. Most people can look around them and find at least a few things to be grateful for. While many of these may be objects and material goods, thankfulness for the people in our lives is what comes to mind first for me. Each human’s dignity and worth are amplified when looking at them through the lens of eternal life.

We believe that each of us are made in the image of God, and as we grow and mature in our journey to Him, we are often surprised and awed by His many intricacies. There is always more to learn and experience when seeking Him. God shows Himself in many ways-sometimes in the people He puts in our lives. We are all so unique; no two of us will ever be the same. We each have dwelling in us a piece of God’s goodness. We unite and bring with us parts of His humor, love, kindness, joy, peace, patience, etc. When we surround ourselves with loved ones, the room fills with God. If we choose to open our eyes to this truth and mystery, we can dwell in His presence in a way that we couldn’t on our own.

God’s Hands and Feet

As Christians, we are called not only to be thankful for the many gifts that we do have, but to share what we have with others. In the Bible passage below, we see that God rewards our generosity by multiplying what we have:

“Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:

“He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God, for the administration of this public service is not only supplying the needs of the holy ones but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. Through the evidence of this service, you are glorifying God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your contribution to them and to all others, while in prayer on your behalf they long for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:6-15).

I would also like to add that we are called to give not only material goods, but the blessings of our friendship, encouragement, and love to others as well. I was speaking with my father recently, and we were talking about the ways in which God chooses to use us in His plan for the sanctification of all souls. God loves and respects us so much, that He will not force us to follow Him. He could very easily persuade each of us to choose Him, but He not only lets us choose for ourselves- He allows us to help each other on the road to Righteousness. What an awesome God we serve. Broken and sinful as we are, He bestows upon us the honor of playing a role in His divine plan for all who choose Him to live together in eternal bliss!

Grounding in God’s Love

As we reflect on the many things that we thank God for, let us not forget the most precious gift of all: Himself. You may be familiar with the phrase: “You cannot pour from an empty cup”. God created us and it is in Him that we find the deepest contentment, peace, and joy. Being in His presence allows our souls to rest and recharge. We can easily become caught up in our responsibilities, setbacks, and distractions. When we stay in the midst of these and neglect our soul, we are depriving ourselves of spiritual oxygen. When this happens it becomes harder to serve God, ourselves, and those who depend on us. I invite you to take some time this week to visit the Blessed Sacrament. Give yourself the chance to rest and God the chance to refill you in the way that only He can.

Before You Go

What are you particularly thankful for this year?

How is your relationship with God?

Did you learn anything new in this article?

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