Pastor's Letter

Giving Thanks

 
In the gospel today, we hear Jesus talk about his second coming.  The Church has us reflect on this each November as we move between one liturgical year and another.  Jesus is returning to earth—when, though, we don’t know. 
 
But when it actually does happen, it sounds like it will be very obvious.  The natural world will be shaken.  Things that are absolutes—like the sun, the moon and the stars—may begin to do things they normally don’t do.  There is some theological debate about whether we’re meant to take it literally, or whether it’s figurative. 
 
Either way, it will be awe-full…meaning leaving us full of awe.
 
Recently in talking with some of you, when we look at our modern world, we begin to wonder—is it coming soon?  We see extreme natural disasters.  We see the great loss of human life through mass shootings that don’t make any sense and remind us of how vulnerable we all are.  We see a country where harsh words toward one another are becoming normal instead of the exception.
 
In the end, we don’t know when the end times will be, but what we do know is that there’s a hunger and longing for human respect, stability, security, and peace.  We live in the hope and longing for the kind of world Jesus tells us is possible when we put him in the center of who we are, which compels us to treat others the way we expect to be treated.
 
So this week, as we gather together on Thursday with family and friends—or if we spend this day in service to the hungry at food pantries or soup kitchens—we anchor our thanks to God, who gives us the true perspective on what’s right, and true and decent. 
 
Knowing how fragile human life is, maybe this year is a time to hold that hug a little bit longer, or to more fully appreciate the time at the table staying present a little longer than we normally would, or to realize how great it really is to watch football, play a game of cards, or watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade with someone whose company we enjoy.
 
Laugh more.  Talk more.  Enjoy the people at the table and the conversation.  And maybe, if it’s time to forgive or accept forgiveness, to give it a chance. 
 
That’s how the Kingdom of God begins to break through.  It breaks through when we care for others and realize human life and relationships are the most important things we have.  
 
May God bless you and those you love. 
 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!