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Fr. Ziliak article, Courier & Press, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004
One of the earliest and most enduring actions undertaken by men and
women from the beginning of creation is giving thanks to God.
Differing ways of giving thanks was also apparent from the very beginning.
Individuals separated themselves from one another precisely on the
issue of how to give thanks. Cain was a tiller of the soil and brought
an offering to the Lord God. He did not give of the first fruits of
his produce and his offering did not find favor with God.
Abel was a keeper of flocks. We are told that Abel "brought one
of the best firstlings of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on
Abel and his offering." (Gen. 4:4)
As a result, Cain "greatly resented this and was crestfallen."
(Gen. 4:5) God asked Cain why he was resentful and crestfallen. He
then said to Cain, "if you do well, you can hold up your head;
but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward
you, yet you can be his master." (Gen. 4:7)
Cain did not go all out in his relation to God. He held back, and
thought he'd take care of himself first. Abel wasn't selfish, but
rather gave to God the best he had. The Lord was pleased with Abel,
and displeased with Cain. Because Cain held such a grudge against
his brother and against God, he attacked and killed his brother, Abel.
This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day here in the United States.
How do we celebrate giving thanks? Are we aware of the origin of all
things? Do we think of the one who allows us to have so much? Do we
recognize the source of all life and goodness? Do we acknowledge the
one who blesses us in such an overwhelming fashion?
If your church has a time of prayer, attend and give thanks to God.
If you have no church connections, devote some time to acknowledging
the God from whom all blessings flow. We join a host of decent people
when we give thanks. It would seem to be an empty celebration this
Thursday if we think that all things are of our own making.
We call our coming together at Mass the Eucharist. That is a Greek
word meaning to give thanks. As we celebrate and renew the redemptive
work of Jesus, we give thanks to the Father for all blessings. Thus,
at the root and core of what we do in worship is to give thanks to
God. Not just one day a year, but every day.
So it is to be for all of us. Let us give thanks to God for all that
we are, for all that we possess, for all over which we are stewards.
Nothing is really ours. All is a gift from God. Thanksgiving Day is
not just one day a year. Giving thanks is very basis of our prayer,
our work, our dreams, our accomplishments.
Many countries around the world have a day on which they pause to
give thanks. We join in solidarity with people throughout the world
in this awareness.
It is truly appropriate to join with others in prayer. In is especially
important to celebrate your own meal with a prayer of gratitude. We
have been and are so blessed here in our country. We should be seen
as the most ungrateful of humankind if we ignore the very one from
who all this comes.
We are grateful for those who help insure the freedoms and liberties
we enjoy. We thank those whose labor brings to our grocery stores
such a plenteous array of food. We humbly acknowledge that we are
served by competent people in many professions. We note with deep
gratitude those who spend their very lives for us: our military, our
police, our fire personnel, our healthcare providers, our pastors,
ministers and spiritual counselors.
We thank God for our families and loved ones. Lord, we acknowledge
our dependence on you. Continue to guide and protect us always.
Father Joseph L. Ziliak is pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic
Parish in Newburgh.
