Father Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving DayDaily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.bible.usccb.org

November 28, 2024

For what are you thankful?

We are truly blessed to have a day when we can return thanks to God for all his many blessings.

We have so much to be thankful for: our faith, our country, our freedom, our families, the food we share today around our tables, and the food we share with people experiencing poverty who have no table of their own.

When I sit down with Jesus on this Thanksgiving Day, the 1st blessing that comes into my mind is the Eucharist.

The word Eucharist means Thanksgiving. For 2000 years, we have been faithful to celebrating holy Mass for all of God’s blessings.

But more important is how Jesus has been steadfast in coming to us in the form of bread and wine.

His humility strikes me as I hold Jesus in the consecration at Mass. He humbles Himself so He can be in our body, soul, mind, and heart as we live our days and weeks.

He never wants us to do anything without Him.

The early Fathers of the Church had a saying, “We become what we eat, the Body of Christ” and I add, “for each other.”

Gospel Challenge:
I challenge myself and you to consider: Is there a more incredible blessing than Jesus giving us Himself in Holy Communion?

He said, “I came that you may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

I am most grateful for every opportunity I have to receive Jesus worthily in Holy Communion and become the Bread of Life for you.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Love Your Neighbor!

Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…

Peace be with you.

God bless you, friends.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.