Thanksgiving Day – 2016 Melanie Kirkpatrick in a recent article in the Wall Street Journal wrote: Election Day has come and gone, and after one of the most divisive campaigns in memory, “healing” seems to be the better word for this hour, and what better day to begin than Thanksgiving—our nation’s oldest tradition, a moment to focus on our blessings as Americans, on what unites us, not on what divides us.
She reminded us that it was in 1863, when Abraham Lincoln called for a national Thanksgiving celebration. The Civil War would last another two years, and yet the opening sentence of Lincoln’s proclamation was an astonishing way to characterize the “state of the Union”: “
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.”
Lincoln made no reference to victories or losses, rebels or enemies. Instead he spoke of “the whole American people” to celebrate Thanksgiving “with one heart and one voice.”
At every Mass, one of the most significant dialogues in human life takes place. The priest says, "Let us give thanks to the Lord our God," and the faithful respond, "It is right and just," and the priest replies with a saying of great theological depth: "It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, almighty and ever-living God."
It is fitting to give God thanks, "always and everywhere." It's appropriate for us to do so on sunny days or rainy ones, when we feel like a million bucks and or are in the hospital, when we're attending weddings or the funerals of loved ones, when we get promotions at work or pink slips, when we win or when we lose.
It is right and just to thank God at all times and places because everything that happens-- both what the world considers good or what it considers bad—God either wills or allows, God always desires to bring spiritual good out of every life situation.
Our salvation, we boldly proclaim, rests in our gratitude, which opens us up to receive God's grace. Thanking God in response to all God has done is our sweetest duty.
And finally, Lincoln reminded all Americans that the Civil War would eventually end. He asked them to look beyond the current horrors to a better day. His message was profoundly hopeful, reminding all Americans
today of our nation’s great capacity for renewal and healing.
This week is a time for us to count our blessings—faith, life, family, friends, pets, health, home, food, work, studies, talents, our country, as well as the gift of our Crosses.
And as we turn our attention to this Table, let us remember that it is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere, to give thanks to God.