Since its early days as a republic, the United States of America has observed a National Day of Praise and Thanksgiving. It was Abraham Lincoln who in 1863 established it as a federal holiday to be observed each November. Its date varied a bit, but since 1941, it’s been set as the fourth Thursday of November. This year happens to be the latest it can occur on November 28 with the earliest date being November 22.
As we prepare for this national feast, my thoughts turn to gratitude. The Oxford Dictionary defines gratitude as, “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” On August 14, 2021, Harvard Health published an article titled, “Giving thanks can make you happier.” In it, the journal advanced the following ideas:
Gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for the good things in life, whether they are tangible or intangible. It can be expressed in many ways, including:
Acknowledging the present — Being thankful for good fortune as it happens.
Reflecting on the past — Remembering positive memories and being thankful for past blessings.
Looking to the future — Maintaining an optimistic attitude.
Appreciating the effort — Being grateful for the work that went into creating something you own or use.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that gratitude is a virtue central to the Christian faith. In fact, some Christian teachers would see gratitude as a duty, and every event and need can be an opportunity to express thanks. St. Paul writes to the Church of Thessalonica, “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Th 5:18).
Thus, the call to gratitude is an ongoing one. Some key aspects one can glean from its mention in the Church’s catechism:
Gratitude is a virtue — It is a countercultural virtue that frees the heart and opens spiritual eyes. It is a way to overcome self-pity, entitlement and bitterness, and to embrace gratitude, goodness and peace.
Gratitude is a habit — It can become an enduring aspect of a person’s character through intentional practice.
Gratitude is expressed in the Eucharist — The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, and the word “Eucharist” itself means “thanksgiving.”
Gratitude is expressed in prayer — Prayer is an expression of adoration of God, and prayer of praise and thanksgiving is an essential part of prayer.
Pope Francis has also taught the importance of gratitude, saying that it helps people appreciate God’s presence in their lives and to recognize the importance of others. He says, “Gratitude, the ability to give thanks, makes us appreciate the presence in our lives of the God who is love, and to recognize the importance of others, overcoming the dissatisfaction and indifference that disfigure our hearts. It is essential to know how to say, ‘Thank you.’ Please, let us not forget this key word.” (Homily, Oct. 9, 2022)
This year, more than ever, I don’t want to forget to say thank you for the blessings I have received in my life:
First, for the gift of life and for the grace of ordained ministry that has blessed my life so abundantly over the years.
Second, for the gift of my parents who gave me life, family and faith. I can never take these blessings for granted.
Third, for the gift of so many dear friends and colleagues who have blessed my life over the years and help me to see the face of God through their love.
Fourth, for the gift of my citizenship in our nation and in the Kingdom of God. Both bestow on me privileges that I should never take for granted, especially life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the right to vote either by ballot or by the way I conduct my life.
Fifth, for the God who comes to meet me where I am and through His Holy Spirit, accompanies me on the road of life. For the gift of His Holy Word that is “a lamp unto my feet” and the gift of the Sacraments, especially Jesus’ Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist.
Sixth, for the provisions, shelter and care that I am given to sustain my life and for the attentiveness of our God in all things.
A poem that I often call to mind at this time of year has a one-line refrain that states: “There is still something to wait for …” My own prayer of gratitude reminds me of the bounty that our loving God desires to share with us: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). Or as I have been reminded more than once in my life, “You can’t outdo God in generosity.”
In his General Audience of December 30, 2020, Pope Francis noted: “Above all, let us not forget to thank: if we are bearers of gratitude, the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope.” As we prepare to be “Pilgrims of Hope” in the coming Jubilee Year, may it begin with our own grateful hearts. Please be assured of my prayers and best wishes for you and your loved ones for a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
