A Thanksgiving Reflection . . .

 

Scripture reference: The Beatitudes . . .  Matthew 5:1-12

In her poem, When Death Comes, Mary Oliver writes:

“When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder

if I have made of my life something particular, and real.

I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened

or full of argument.

I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.”

 

We come together at this time with the intention to remember, to celebrate, and to express our gratitude for the multitude of blessings we have received throughout the past year. This evening prayer, set within the season of Thanksgiving and guided by our readings, calls us to embrace a life rooted in gratitude. To truly live as "gratitude people" means engaging more deeply than simply gathering here—it is an invitation to cultivate a lasting attitude of thankfulness.

 Gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling; it is an attitude we can freely choose. By embracing gratitude, we shape a better life not only for ourselves but also for others and for the world around us. This quality of thankfulness enriches and deepens our own experiences and radiates outward to touch the lives of those around us. Gratitude can be both a personal act of self-expression and a meaningful spiritual practice, serving as a wholehearted response to the many gifts and bounties life offers.

It is an essential aspect of our existence, celebrating the connections that bind us to one another. Every act and experience of gratefulness reaffirms our sense of belonging—to the world and to the community of our fellow human beings. Through gratitude, we recognize that we live not in isolation, but in relationship with others.

 If we are deprived of daily experiences and expressions of gratitude, our lives quickly lose vitality. Just as a weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable. A lack of gratitude makes one’s spirit susceptible to cynicism, anger, persistent dissatisfaction, and even low-grade depression. When gratitude is absent, we endure a relentless decline in our sense of joy and energy.

 Tonight’s Gospel reading challenges us to live as "BEattitude people." The Beatitudes invite us to be open to surprise—to recognize the unexpected blessings woven throughout our lives. Truly hearing the "good news" of these Scriptures means reevaluating our understanding of what it means to be blessed. 

When we find ourselves spiritually impoverished, with no one to turn to but God, it is in that poverty that we discover both who God truly is and who we are.

In times of feeling small, mourning, or yearning for justice that has eluded us, we are called in our helplessness to turn to God, longing for comfort and satisfaction.

 When our hearts have experienced God’s mercy for our shortcomings and we have found healing from past wounds, we become capable of offering forgiveness and mercy to others. In doing so, we become peacemakers. This special blessedness fills our hearts with mercy, allowing us to see God in "the last, the least, and the lost."

 When our trust in God brings us ridicule, or when standing with the poor and marginalized leads to rejection, we are encouraged to "rejoice and be glad." In those moments, we are wrapped in the Reign of God, deeply understanding that our purpose in life is not simply to seek happiness, but to make a meaningful difference—to matter because we have lived.

So, tonight, as we gather to remember and to give thanks, let us also recommit ourselves to facing the days ahead with courage and hope. These are the days that challenge us to do more than just pass through life—to truly live as gratitude people and BEattitude people, open to the continual surprises of God’s blessings.

 

Let us pray:

·       May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deeply and authentically in our hearts.

·       May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people and the earth, so that we will strive for justice, equity, and peace.

·       May God bless us with tears for those who suffer, that we might reach out to comfort them and help transform their pain into joy.

·       May God bless us with the foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in the world, so that we will attempt what others deem impossible.

Amen. Amen.