The action of thanksgiving takes gratitude a step further

A Message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), the founder of the religious congregation to which I belong, often spoke to his priests and brothers about gratitude as the “most important virtue.” He observed, “We should spend as much time in thanking God for his benefits as we do in asking him for them.”

His wisdom echoed that of the ancient Roman statesman and orator Cicero (106-43 BC) who called gratitude “the parent of all virtues.” 

Gratitude and thanksgiving are certainly admirable human qualities and the source of many social and spiritual graces.  That we Americans devote a whole day to lift them up and celebrate them is equally admirable.  

The final Thursday in November is the day we traditionally devote to giving thanks as a nation, dating back to the early 19th century. “Over three centuries ago,” President John F. Kennedy wrote in his 1963 Thanksgiving Proclamation:

“Our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them together, and for the faith which united them with their God.”

Those sentiments make it clear why gratitude and thanksgiving have endured in our nation’s memory since the first days of its colonization and settlement. “Gratitude” is a feeling, an emotion that originates in a full heart that realizes and recognizes all the blessings God has given. “Thanksgiving,” often considered synonymous, takes gratitude a step further.

Thanksgiving is an action – it’s what we “do” with our gratitude. To be grateful, to express thanksgiving gives birth to so many other emotions, dispositions and virtues: humility, patience, kindness, charity and many more good things we show to and do for one another in response to what has been shown and done for us by the Almighty.

In our American experience, “Thanksgiving” brings us to a table where a feast of wonderful foods and great memories are shared. In our Catholic experience, thanksgiving also brings us to a table – the Eucharistic table – where the greatest of all foods is given to us, the precious Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving.” When we share the Eucharist, we find the truest “parent of all virtues.”

For Thanksgiving this year – at home and in Church, at tables and in prayers – let’s turn our hearts to gratitude and thanksgiving to Almighty God and to and for so many people in our lives, past and present.

Have a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving with and for those you love most. God bless you.