942 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT 06070
Mailing Address: PO Box 575
860.658.7627
Mailing Address: PO Box 575
860.658.7627
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November 21, 2021While Thanksgiving is really a secular holiday, for us as people of faith it can be the occasion to be mindful of all that God has blessed us with, and to take time in prayer and worship where possible to thank Jesus. The Thanksgiving Day Mass readings include the Gospel account of the ten lepers who were cured by Jesus, and that only one – a Samaritan – returns to thank Jesus. The Gospel story tells us that when he realized that he was healed, he returned glorifying God. There are so many blessings that we receive from the Lord each day. So often, myself included, we may not even realize they have occurred, like the other nine lepers who never return to thank Jesus. We may also take those blessings for granted. Sometimes we may even feel entitled to those blessings, thinking, “I deserve this! I worked hard for this!”
On Tuesday (11/23) evening, we will gather for a Parish Thanksgiving Mass at 6:30 pm. We will hear that Gospel proclaimed about the grateful Samaritan and then, as our “homily,” I will “open the mikes” for those who may wish to share with the community gathered something that they are particularly grateful for this year. Please take some time between now and then to give this some reflection. No one is obligated to speak. I only ask that each person who chooses to do so would keep his/her reflection brief – under 1 minute. Another way to participate in the Thanksgiving Mass would be to bring one non-perishable food item to be presented at the time of the offertory (there will be no monetary collection that evening) which will then be added to our next regularly scheduled food collection. This might be a great way for our parish children to be involved and to learn the importance of sharing in gratitude.
Whether we are able to come Tuesday or not, please take some time between now and Thanksgiving to consider your blessings. How has the Lord been active in your life lately? What have you been given that you are grateful for? As we reflect back on a year that certainly has been affected negatively by the pandemic, have there been any blessings that have come out of it as well? As you become aware of these blessings be sure to “return to the Lord” in your prayer to say, “Thank You!” Then perhaps at your Thanksgiving dinner table, you might take a little time before eating or maybe over dessert to share among yourselves one or two things that you are especially grateful for. Be assured of my prayers for all of you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving season. Know how grateful I am to have been given the privilege of leading such a generous and faith-filled Catholic Community here at St. Mary’s. A blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving to all!
