THANKS BE TO GOD!

What is the congregational response after the first and second readings are proclaimed at a weekend Mass? “Thanks be to God!” We come to every Mass to give thanks to God for the week’s blessings and for the living Word, that the message passionately proclaimed from Scripture by our lectors, deacons, and priests, will prompt our hearts to bring about a greater conversion in our lives and inspire us to live out that message for the coming week. We also give thanks for the Word, who has become flesh, true flesh “for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink” (Jn. 6:55). This is the true and “Real Presence” of Jesus Christ that is miraculously made present to us in the Eucharist at each Mass. The word, “Eucharist,” comes from the Greek word, Eucharistia, which means “Thanksgiving.” Not only do we come to Mass to thank God for what he has done for us through dying on the cross for our sins and for rising from the dead, but it is Jesus Christ who is thanksgiving himself.

This coming Thursday, November 26th, is Thanksgiving. As we prepare to enjoy a delicious and memorable feast with our family and close friends, what one thing can each of us say we are thankful for over this past year as we take turns sharing around the table at the dinner blessing before we dig into the smorgasbord of food? Health? Faith? New life? Autumn and the beautiful changing colors of the leaves? Donuts and apple cider? S’mores by the campfire? Turkey? Family? Our own cross? The Eucharist? Imagine what Jesus could do to prompt unbelievers or fallen-away Catholics in a situation like that to come and follow him or come and follow Him once again with only a short time of gratitude before the big meal. “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible” (Mt. 19:26, Mk. 10:27). Let’s make it known to everyone at our Thanksgiving dinner, no matter how easy or how uncomfortable we may be, that we are not afraid to pray publicly, that we are not afraid to acknowledge Jesus in the presence of others. “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God” (Lk. 12:8, Mt. 10:32-33). Simply put, may we simply share one blessing we are thankful for to Jesus in 2015. May God continue to bless us, bless our families, our parish, and this great nation. May we acknowledge that all of these wonderful blessings, no matter how big or small, known or unknown; past, present or future, come from our generous Lord. Come Holy Spirit. Unify our family at the dinner table including those who are not able to make it this year and those loved ones of ours who have passed from this life. Help us receive you this Thanksgiving with a spirit of gratitude and reciprocate it back to you and to each other. Thanks be to God!

In A Spirit of Gratitude to The Most Holy Trinity,
Fr. Jeff Allan

Author: Fr. Jeff Allan

Biography - Fr. Jeff Allan, was ordained a Catholic priest on June 7th, 2014 for the Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD). He graduated from Adrian College in 2001 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Criminal Justice. After working in the pharmaceutical sales industry for almost three years, he felt called to discern the priesthood. Before being ordained a priest, Fr. Jeff was blessed to receive three degrees from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. They include a Bachelor of Philosophy, Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB), and a Master of Divinity (Theology). His assignments in the U.S. have included serving at multiple parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit as an associate pastor and currently as a weekend assistant. Fr. Jeff is certified as a hospital chaplain through ACPE (Association for Clinical Pastoral Education). He has had the opportunity of serving at three Metro-Detroit Area Hospitals since 2017 where he serves in full-time ministry as a Catholic Priest and Hospital Chaplain. View all posts by Fr. Jeff Allan