As I write the column, we are all preparing for Thanksgiving. I’ll reflect on the holiday with you below, but first things first. This weekend we welcome back Fr. Casey from his sabbatical, and he has an Advent 1 sermon for all of us! I know some of you are away visiting family and friends, but if you’re in town please join us at one of our services on Saturday or Sunday to make his welcome home warm and hearty.
Now, on to Thanksgiving! As a young girl, I spent many Thanksgivings around my grandmother’s table. She and I loved to cook, bake, and decorate the house together. When it was time to eat, we always set her table with her mother’s wedding china. At Thanksgiving, she always set a tiny ramekin at each place with three small somethings nestled inside. Sometimes there were three small beans; at other times, three grains of rice or pieces of candy corn. When Thanksgiving meal was ready, we’d gather around the table and, using the contents of our ramekin as a guide, each of us would name three things for which we were thankful. Sometimes three things rolled easily off our lips; other times, when life felt harder, we had to dig deeper for gratitude that felt more elusive. When the prayer was complete, dinner was served.
This year, I am thankful for many things: for family and friends; for amazing colleagues; for God’s call to share life with each and every one of you. Right now, life feels satisfyingly full and meaningful, and this makes me deeply grateful.
At the same time, I am aware that my gratitude bespeaks my privilege. I am privileged to live in a place free from violence. I am privileged that I earn a living wage and can provide well beyond my family’s basic needs of shelter, clothing, food, and education. I am privileged by my skin color, my upbringing, my gender identity, and my sexual orientation.
Aware that I enjoy a life of privilege, I do not take for granted that life feels satisfyingly full and meaningful. I am mindful that I can – that I am called – to use my privilege in service of others. This Thanksgiving, I am hearing Christ’s call to follow him more closely. I am reflecting on Matthew 25 which calls us to feed hungry people, to give water to those who are thirsty, to welcome the strangers in our midst, to clothe those who are naked, and to visit those who are alone. This Thanksgiving, my heart and mind are turning toward outreach – the role I will step into in the coming year.
Because, friends, we are – for the most part – a community of privileged people, and we must not take this for granted. Rather, we must listen closely to Jesus’ call. We must step more fully into service among “the least of these who are members of [Jesus’] family.” I cannot wait to see what we’ll do together in the coming year to share love with those in our community who most need love.
I wonder what you are thankful for this week. I wonder if words of gratitude are rolling easily from your lips this year or if you are experiencing a season in which gratitude feels elusive. Either way, join us this weekend as we give thanks to God in the Eucharist. Remember, friends, you belong here.