As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, here are some thoughts and ideas. First, you might want to watch this interesting video about the origin and development of our annual national feast:
Of course, this day is set aside to express thanks to God. The best way to do this is by participating in the Eucharist when we praise and thank God. The word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving. This is a prayer from the Didache, a first catechism written in or near the first century:
| Now about the Thanksgiving, give thanks thus: |
| First about the cup: |
| We thank you, our Father, |
| for the holy vine of your servant David, |
| which you have made known to us through your servant Jesus. |
| Glory to you forever! |
| And about the piece of bread: |
| We thank you, our Father, |
| for the life and knowledge |
| you have made known to us through Jesus your servant. |
| Glory be yours forever! |
| Just as this piece of bread |
| was scattered over the mountains, |
| and then was gathered together and became one, |
| so let your church be gathered together |
| from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. |
| For the glory and the power are yours through Jesus Christ forever! |
| After you are satisfied, give thanks thus: |
| We give you thanks, Holy Father, |
On Thanksgiving Day we gather with family and friends to feast together. It includes a prayer or prayers of gratitude. For a unique way to pray this day, see https://kathleenglavich.org/thanksgiving-prayer/
In case you are in charge of cooking the turkey and have questions, you can find directions on the Internet.
My pastor gave ideas for making this meal special: https://kathleenglavich.org/advice-for-a-happy-thanksgiving-dinner/
A Thanksgiving Day to Remember
In Tennessee Williams’ play Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche says, “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” We thank God for family, home, and food. We are also grateful for the people who come to our aid in emergencies. Maybe when have a flat tire on the road, someone parks behind us and changes it for us. Or a friend gives us tickets for a concert. God’s love is channeled to us through these generous people.
Mom and I were invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with Sisters at a nearby convent. That morning, I phoned her and greeted, “Happy Thanksgiving.” She moaned, “It’s not so happy.” She explained that as she made her bed, something flew into her eye and it hurt. Because she had recently undergone cataract surgery, I was afraid this was a serious problem. I tried to contact her eye doctor with no success. Mom sent me to join the Sisters without her.
A Devoted Doctor
When I returned, bringing her a dinner, I managed to reach the doctor through his answering service. He said that if we came to his office by 3:30, he would meet us there. I deposited Mom’s dinner in the refrigerator, and we dashed out of the house. Luckily, no police saw me speeding and weaving around traffic to arrive on time. The town and the doctor’s office building were unfamiliar. In the parking lot after Mom and I emerged from the car, I took her arm to help her walk. The doctor was coming toward us from his car. He took Mom’s other arm, and we entered the building.
It turned out that Mom had a scratched cornea. After treating here, the doctor mentioned that he had left twenty-eight guests in order to be there!
Back at Mom’s house, I discovered that I had left her house key inside. My sister, who also had a key, was out of town and wouldn’t be back until evening. Aha, I knew the code for the lock provided for medical emergencies! In pouring rain, I tried over and over to open the lock. Finally giving up, I drove Mom to my convent, leaving her Thanksgiving dinner in her refrigerator.
A Good Neighbor on Thanksgiving Day
After we arrived at my convent, Jim from across the street phoned. He asked if he could bring over some dessert. I explained our predicament. Shortly after, the doorbell rang and there was Jim with two Thanksgiving dinners. He and his wife were vegans. So, Mom and I feasted on tofu turkey. That day I gave thanks for the doctor and Jim.
• What was your most memorable Thanksgiving Day?
• What person do you give thanks for?
4 Responses
About 50 years ago, my family decided to enjoy Thanksgiving together, which included my brothers and sisters and family. My parents had 29 grandchildren; so adding my parents the six of us and our spouses, it came to about 44. We asked for the aid of the club my dad belonged. I’ll never forget that day. All the other years I spent with my husband’s family, until that got too large too.
You are so blessed to have such a large, loving family, Rita!
My most memorable Thanksgiving was the birth of my son!!! ☺️
We celebrate many Thanksgiving days with his b/d….
How exciting! A son is a great reason to be thankful.