It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this week! This national holiday provides a wonderful opportunity, I believe, to reflect on the blessings God has given us and to connect those blessings to the Eucharist and the Feast of Christ the King, the solemnity we will celebrate next weekend.

The word “Eucharist” has its roots in Greek and it means “thanksgiving.” It is the meal where we are drawn into the Paschal Mystery – the suffering, dying, and rising of Jesus. Around the table of the Eucharist, we are recalling – in fact re-living – Jesus’ great sacrifice, and that is cause for giving thanks. It is at the Eucharist where our sins are forgiven, the gates of Heaven are opened and we are once again in awe of God’s great love for us – that He would walk among us, heal, comfort, and provide everlasting life. When we contemplate Christ as “King of the Universe,” we turn our hearts not to a king of pomp and circumstance, but to a humble servant who died like criminals died at the time. To celebrate Christ as “king” is to be thankful that God cared enough about us that he would humble Himself, pour out His life for our sake, and lovingly reign over our blessed lives.

When we gather around our Thanksgiving tables this week, we should make room at the table for Christ, allowing him to preside over the festivities of that day (and the challenges and joys of everyday) and acknowledge that the blessings for which we are grateful come from Him.

At this time of giving thanks, I am grateful for what God is doing in our blessed parish, and grateful too for all of you who walk with Christ and one another each day. Your prayers, your time, and your gifts build up the body of Christ and help us to gather with joy and hope at the Eucharist and move toward the Heavenly Banquet. Thank you for everything.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratefully yours in Christ,