Thanksgiving - 2020
Sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts,
always thanking God the Father for all things
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The celebration of our national holiday, Thanksgiving, overshadowed by the corona virus and the various challenges we encountered in the course of the year, will certainly take a new approach that calls for difficult decisions especially when it involves family gatherings.
May I suggest spending time in conversation with God in preparation for Thanksgiving?
Let me share with you my personal reflection in the course of a quiet Sunday afternoon and a sleepless night that turned into a powerful time of prayer. These challenges came to mind:
• Covid-19 and the ever climbing rate of infections worldwide, but also in Nebraska and all of the United States;
• the loss of lives due to the corona virus and no known cure of the disease or when a vaccine may be available to break the infection rate;
• concerns for healthcare professionals: doctors, nurses and first responders performing their duties under much stress, yet putting the safety of others ahead of their own;
• Covid-19 demanded finding new patterns for interacting socially; for attending worship services with a faith community, precautionary action when a visit to the grocery store or any other business is necessary, taking advantage of online shopping or dining yet considering safe “local options” that prevent closure of small businesses or restaurants;
• learning institutions on all levels shifted to online models and as soon as in person classes were possible, the infection rate rose;
• natural disasters: hurricanes and wildfires threatened lives and property in many parts of the country, and let down farmers expectations for a bountiful crop;
• the death of a dear friend and not being able to visit earlier in the year due to travel restrictions – and many names come to mind of people I know who are dealing with many sicknesses;
• we claim to be “One Nation under God” but tension and riots burdened our living together in “the land of the free.” The challenge is to overcome systemic racism that is so evident in society and then making efforts for adopting the culture of life, showing respect for others, even of opposing political conviction, but especially to immigrants and refugees. The message of Jesus found in the Gospels is the guideline for all people of good will.
Then I asked myself “Where has God been in all of this?”
A time of prayer of pleading for the gift of wisdom and understanding followed and it turned into intercessory prayer for the wellbeing of all our friends and benefactors, for the coworkers of the mission office, monastery and retreat house, for my brother monks and for our families.
As I became quiet, great peace overwhelmed me. Words from Sacred Scripture assure me that we are never alone. Our God is with us! He reaches out to us in so many ways. I only have to open my eyes and my heart. With gratitude for the guidance of the Holy Spirit during this prayer experience, I now can focus on giving thanks. I share with you this:
Creator God,
on Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks for the gift of life, for family, community, friends and acquaintances who journey with me daily.
I give thanks…
... for being at my side in challenging moments and joyous times;
… for the labor of farmers, gardeners, and all who assist with harvesting;
… for wheat, grapes, fruit, and produce of gardens that will nourish us;
… for our readiness to share with the less fortunate;
… for the many supporters of the Missionary Benedictines who enable us to help others;
… for all whose friendship and ongoing prayer support sustains us;
… for the assurance that YOU are always with us;
… for signs of hope for the days ahead and the promise:
“I will be with you always!”
On behalf of the monks of Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House extend greetings to all our friends near and far. Be assured that you are included in our prayers and we thank you for going with us the proverbial extra mile by supporting our ministries financially whenever possible and for praying for the success of our work.
“The earth has yielded its fruits;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him.”
Psalm 67, 7-8
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
from the monks of Christ the King Priory
Br. Tobias Dammert, OSB
Director of Development