Thanksgiving 2019

Pueblo Feast Day David Bradley, Ojibwe

When the crowd found Jesus on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." So they said to him, "What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Then Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:25-35

On this Thanksgiving day, I have a great deal to be thankful for. God has blessed us with a wonderful family and friends. In this month, when we "celebrate" Native American Heritage month, I often wonder what people really understand about the past and present. Every where we walk, drive and gaze upon on this continent was occupied and revered by sophisticated people, who were industrious, organized and fully human. Yet, our people were seen as less than human, savage and expendable. And our people are not at the table today, even. We are wanted as decoration and insight, still, not as what we are - the very heartbeat of this beloved land, the keepers of the stories, and the ones who know medicine for restoration and healing.

Jesus was questioned by the very people whom he had fed in abundance. They wanted more signs, yet he wanted them to believe and live just and compassionate lives. Throughout the history of our faith, belief clashing with greed, giving clashing with selfishness, the ache for miracles confronted by the daily work of healing. On this Thanksgiving, we are invited to move away from our endless desire and wants to a place of inclusion and compassion. 

Today, I ask God to help me make room at the table for everyone. May we honor our ancestors by letting go of outdated ideals and embracing the true gift of life, interdependent and always humbling.

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.