THANKSGIVING & NATIVITY FAST

(Thursday, November 28)

“Let us lift up our hearts!” … “Let us give thanks unto the Lord!” (The Eucharistic Prayer)

I love the fact that the American national holiday of Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday, the perfect weekday for this uplifting celebration of a common meal. Just like the Last or Mystical Supper of our Lord with His disciples was on a Thursday, and His Ascension was on a Thursday, we celebrate Thanksgiving as a common meal that brings us together and lifts us up from our usual cares, to give thanks to the Lord.

As those of us in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving today, those of us on the Older Calendar begin the Nativity Fast. Regardless of whether or how we fast today, let us both lift up our hearts and give thanks, with humble gratitude for our common meal and for one another. As St. Paul explains, “if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:30-31) As I thank God for all of you today, my friends and foes online and offline, I pray you and yours are well, and Happy Thanksgiving! SV🧡