This time of year, people in various places celebrate in gratitude for the blessing of a bountiful harvest.
As the U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving, I can’t help but cherish childhood memories of Thanksgiving gatherings long past. When I was growing up, our extended family would gather for a grand meal and engaging conversation. The younger ones would be seated at a separate table at these celebrations. I suspect the table arrangement accommodated seating capacity at the adult table and was sensitive to young people’s interests. It was great fun. I was one of the youngest and delighted to be in the company of my older cousins.
Acting Out of Love
Thinking back now, I appreciate the hours of preparation, the warm welcome, the mutual care, and the collaboration of serving and clearing. The meal acted out the love the family had for one another. The table gathering was a harvest of blessings.
As in recent years, we will celebrate with children and grandchildren this year. The food will be abundant, and the conversation delightful.
During these past weeks, our youngest grandson has been attending religious education classes in preparation for First Communion. Happily, in his family experience, he already appreciates the communion of a family meal, the delight of conversation, and the enduring blessing of celebration.
One Human Family
We asked him recently what he was learning in religious education class. He replied, “The Great Commandment.” His answer prompted me to think about what Jesus in the gospels asked of His followers. The greatest Commandments for Jesus (Mark 12:28-31) asked his followers to love God with their whole selves (Deuteronomy 6:5) and to love one’s neighbor as they loved their own self (Leviticus 19:18).
Love of God and neighbor realizes our belonging to God’s family.
Eucharist
Jesus also asks that we gather to share a meal and remember Him; at the heart of the gathering, He gives Himself to us. It is a celebration of Word and Sacrament, an exercise in giving thanks. We thank the Lord who nourishes us with Himself. We recognize Him in the bread, broken and shared, in ourselves, in the community gathered, and in all humanity. He refocuses us, re-energizes us, and renews us. It is our enduring blessing, the harvest of a lifetime.
Let our family prayer be in the spirit of St. Paul’s words:
“In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”(1 Thessalonians 5:18)