People of the First Light

People of the First Light
Greetings on this Thanksgiving Day
Readings: Sir 50:22-24; 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Lk 17:11-19
Notes: Thanksgiving USA.

Summary

American Thanksgiving

The Wampanoag indian tribe is translated People of the First Light. Given the location on the eastern seaboard of what we now call the Americas, one can imagine the name coming from the reality of the first to see the rising Sun over the Atlantic ocean. Roughly (literary license) straight across from (Galician) Fisterra, Spain – the End of the World as understood by the Romans. The Patuxet were the Wampanoag band who hosted the Pilgrims and participated in their ‘first thanksgiving’. Massasoit and Samoset, by title and name, offered life sustaining help in the early years. If not for these new friends with gifts of food and knowledge, the pilgrims would have surely died that first winter.

Sources: WIKI and https://mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/timeline

Reflection

We will ever have to wonder what the LORD wanted from this first meeting and subsequent meetings different than what happened in fact. But it isn’t beyond our understanding of the faith and of the divine nature known to so many faiths? When Jesus enters our village how will we greet him? What will we ask of him?

How grateful can we be?

Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?  Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”  Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

What is real gratitude anyway? Do you suppose the Samaritan went back to his life and operated in the identical ways as before? No longer a leper certainly the ordinary life changed. But the deeper change that comes from gratitude, this is the real mark of gravity, begins with praise for the one who healed him.

Personal Reflection

Growing up Thanksgiving was a major feast in our home. Family and friends were invited from all over the metropolitan area. The abundance of food was beyond my dreams. Such tasty delights. Everyone brought personal stories to share and news from around the region. And to a person, everyone was filled with good cheer. How very grateful I am for these gatherings and meals. Even more so the love of family and friends. HOnorable mention to pearl onions. I got to eat them once a year and I love them!

While Thanksgiving is the lowest of positions in the liturgical calendar, beneath actual mention, the people have made it a major feast of gratitude. All persons understand the blessings of the harvest, of friendship and of providing aid in difficulty.

Let our day of gratitude be for the Creator, as however you name him, and for friendship, as the way we know one another.

First Reading

And now, bless the God of all,
who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,
and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure in Israel
to deliver us in our days.

Our first reading from Sirach brings about a good account of gratitude. The earth, the life, the joy, the peace and the goodness of life in all our days.

Responsorial
I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Second Reading
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Acclamation
In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Gospel
As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”

And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.

If I am very grateful for a meal and banquet, how much more so for the saving LORD and Friend Jesus?

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry