We Give (You) Thanks

Let's begin with a quick recap: 

Today is the second of three “Last Sundays of Ordinary Time.” These Sundays are connected by the Solemnity of Christ the King to the new liturgical year which begins on the first Sunday of Advent. 

During this time we are pointed in a particular way to Christ’s promised return and the fulfillment of the kingdom. 

Two recent days highlight this focus. 

On All Saints day we celebrated those who the church has officially named as saints. 

On All Souls Day we remembered and prayed for our faithful departed. 

So how does Thanksgiving fit in? 

For starters what we do in worship is an act of Thanksgiving. Let me explain. Our liturgy (what we often refer to as the mass) is made up of the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” 

During this month of November I’ve chosen Marty Haugen’s “We Give You Thanks” as a gathering song. The text lifts up many things for which we can and should be thankful. The last two phrases of the first verse for the faith of those around us, for the dead and all those here captures the focus of All Saints and All Souls: 

My hope is that our praying these words as we gather will transition us from the cares, needs and anxiety of our daily lives to a spirit of gratitude. 

Grateful to be making music here at St. Mary’s, 

Bruce