At the Nov. 23 Mass for Giving Thanks to God, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia recalled the scene around the Thanksgiving table of his youth.
He said whatever they had on the adults’ table, they also had at the kids’ table. To him it represented faithfulness and love, the same virtues that he saw on display at the Lord’s table in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The readings were Sirach 50:22-24 (“And now, bless the God of all, who has done wonders on earth; who fosters growth from the womb, fashioning it according to his will! May he grant you a wise heart and abide with you in peace.”); Psalm 138:1-5 (“I thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the angels to you I sing.); Colossians 3:12-17 (“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.”); and Matthew 11:25-30 (“Jesus said, … ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.’”
The Universal Prayer for the Mass included these petitions:
- For the Church, especially for Pope Francis, Bishop Lucia and all who serve, that we may always be a people of gratitude and praise.
- For all those who pray for and support vocations in our diocese, that God may reward them for their goodness.
- For our country and the people of this land, that we may be faithful and generous stewards of God’s creation.
- For those who experience need of any kind, the sick, the suffering, the homeless and all who struggle with addiction, that they may experience God’s love and salvation.
- For all who work at the chancery, that they may be mindful of the gifts and talents with which God has blessed them and use them in humble service of his will.
- For those who have died, especially those among our family and friends, that they may experience the fullness of God’s presence at the heavenly banquet.
