As Thanksgiving weekend comes around again, as like every year, we each look a little closer at the things we're Thankful for. Have you ever had those big family dinners, everyone gathered and you go around the table, everyone stating one thing that they're thankful for. It's a great time, helping everyone to see that there is so much to be thankful for, so much that brings us hope and joy, even when it' hard to see sometimes. A big part of being thankful needs to incorporate those that have helped make you who you are. What does is mean to be a person of faith? To be someone who is grateful for everything and everyone God has given you, including the people who you don't tend to agree with.
Today's Gospel states:'And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your Heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise"'(Luke 10:25-37).
Today's Gospel tells us that we need to be like the good Samaritan, to stop and help our neighbour, no matter their status. We need to take care of each other and show support. Everyone has their battles, everyone is having some sort of a struggle. However, we cannot be true disciples if we don't help our neighbour, and cherish their help in turn. Take some time today to thank God for everything and everyone in your life, for those who have helped you grow in faith, for those that care for you and have helped you through everything to become who you are today.
Today's prayer comes from 'crosswalk' a Thanksgiving prayer:
Dear God, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
