Let Us Give Thanks

What a blessing to be able to share a few thoughts with you on Thanksgiving Day! 

Our Gospel begins with Jesus walking to Jerusalem, minding His own business, when ten lepers approach Him as he enters a village. They shout from a safe distance, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Jesus is touched by the encounter and proceeds to grant their request. 

But He did not heal them in that instant. Instead He told them to go show themselves to the priests. Why would He say that? Because Mosaic law indicated that if someone was healed they had to go show the priest. The lepers did as they were told and while they were on the way, discovered that they were healed. Nine of them continued on their way but one went back to thank Jesus, falling at His feet. And there He remained until Jesus said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

Can you put yourself in this story? Have you asked Jesus for a favor and He didn’t grant it right away, but “as [you] were going” you noticed He had granted it to you in His time and in His way? When will we realize and fully trust that He sends us these graces at exactly the right time? Do we get distracted and forget to thank Him? It happens all the time. The enemy does not want us to be grateful.

Have you ever experienced a time when you didn’t even ask for help (and perhaps didn’t realize you needed it) and God sent it to you anyway? Perhaps on this day we have set apart especially to give thanks, we can reflect about all the ways God has surprised us with His gifts over the years. And then we can offer up a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for His generous and merciful love.   

Serving with joy!

By Deacon Dan Schneider