From today’s Scripture: “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’ But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves.”—Lk 14:17–18

In the United States, Thanksgiving is one of our country’s favorite holidays. It centers around a meal and a gathering of family and friends where we “give thanks” for all the blessings we have received over the years. Thanksgiving can also be an awkward and uncomfortable experience when estranged relatives and friends come together and resurrect old hurts. And so many find creative ways of refusing the invitation and attending the gathering. How many of us have found creative ways of avoiding the greatest Thanksgiving meal of all – the celebration of the Eucharist, which actually means “Thanksgiving?” Are there old hurts that we carry, or feelings of being unworthy? What is holding us back from accepting the Lord’s invitation to celebrate with him?

Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and prayer, we may find healing and return to this greatest of celebrations. For our greatest desire should be to participate in the eternal banquet in heaven, rather than remain one of those who were invited, but did not accept the Lord’s invitation.

Let us pray: Thank you, dear Jesus, for inviting me to the celebration of the Eucharist, to receive the greatest blessing of all—your love in the disguise of ordinary bread and wine. Help me to embrace this extraordinary opportunity to receive you in the Eucharist, and to celebrate with a true spirit of thanksgiving for all you have done for us.

Today’s author is Julia Sauter, a member of Glenmary’s Development team. She holds a master’s degree in Ethics and Social Theory from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

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