Since 1863, Americans have annually set aside the fourth or fifth Thursday of November to give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest. The holiday became a matter of federal law in 1941, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint congressional resolution to observe Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November. Even as our society has become less agrarian, families continue to gather each November to give thanks to God for each other, and for the many blessings they have received throughout the year.
Most people associate this “spirit of Thanksgiving” with the fall holiday and its many recognizable symbols — brisk weather, cornucopias, family gatherings, and plenty of delicious food. But giving thanks to God in gratitude for the gifts we have received isn’t an attitude we should save for this annual holiday alone. When we live lives of stewardship — sharing of our time, talents and treasure in thanks to God and at the service of others — we can sustain life in the Thanksgiving spirit throughout the year.
The Church teaches that this daily response of gratitude is an important element of living the life of a Christian disciple. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Indeed, in the work of salvation, Christ sets creation free from sin and death to consecrate it anew and make it return to the Father, for his glory. The thanksgiving of the members of the Body participates in that of their Head” (CCC, 2637).
And how can we express this spirit of thanks? We can serve others, living the virtue of charity by reaching out to our brothers and sisters in need through acts of kindness. We can give back to God from our “first fruits,” sharing of our treasure in thanksgiving and recognition of the need to return a portion of our gifts to God and His work. We can utilize our unique talents to make our parish and local communities better places. And, as the Catechism also points out, we can even express thanks through prayerfully offering up our daily activities to God — “Every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving” (CCC, 2638).
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to think of ways that you can live in the “spirit of Thanksgiving” on the fourth Thursday of November, and every other day throughout the year. Living the stewardship way of life may not always involve a precisely carved turkey, decorations or a family viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life — but it will provide lifelong fulfillment and joy rooted in an attitude of perpetual thanksgiving.