Beloved in the Lord,

How often do we pause and give thanks, expressing our gratitude for all we have in our lives? Thanksgiving Day has been set apart from all other days in the year for this simple yet very profound act of remembering the source of all the goodness of our lives: the Almighty God, the Father of lights Who has given us every perfect gift (James1:27). He has blessed us with families and friends, health and activity, employment and economic well-being, and so much more. This year when we gather to celebrate this festive day, our thoughts must be drawn to the riches of our lives; the abundance of the table will reflect the abundance in our hearts. As we consider all that we have been given and all that we possess, one day of thanks is hardly enough. We should give thanks to God every day of our lives and tell everyone of how He has blessed us. As the Psalmist says, “O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” (Psalm 30:12).

With these gifts come great responsibilities, that is, as the word itself indicates, in our ability to respond. In the Epistle of James we read, “What does it profit my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

These strong words from the first Christians remind us that words of thanks must be combined with deeds of thanks. In cities this Thanksgiving Day, there will be countless people who would gladly accept the leftovers from your table. Consider the working poor in our nation, our fellow citizens, who barely make ends meet, even after working many jobs or long hours. In our world today, there are countless people who would gladly accept a simple act of charity so that they can provide for themselves and their families. Consider the refugees of the Middle East, who have abandoned everything in pursuit merely of safety for themselves and their families. Consider the still struggling people of Greece who have yet to overcome the economic crisis in that land. Our words of thanksgiving are hollow unless they include acts of philanthropy and charity towards our fellow man.

In the Book of Proverbs, we read, “Honor the Lord with your just labors, and with the first fruits of all your produce.” (Proverbs 3:9). This year on Thanksgiving Day say a prayer of gratitude to the Almighty God for the gifts He has bestowed upon you and your loved ones.  Honor Him by telling your family and guests how He is present in your life. Praise the Almighty through works of care and compassion for those who labor, who suffer, and who struggle. “Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:23).

May the Almighty God, the Source of every good and perfect gift, be with you and your families always.

Happy Thanksgiving!

With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco