One of my favorite quotes from St. Paul is near the end of 1 Thessalonians, “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (5:18 NAB). Giving thanks in all circumstances, rejoicing always, and praying constantly (vv. 16 & 17), are essential characteristics of Christians in the mind of Paul. So overwhelming is the great gift of the Risen Jesus to persons of true faith that giving thanks, rejoicing, and praying at all times and in every circumstance ought to be a given—it ought to come naturally.
Unfortunately, living in a time 2,000 years removed from St. Paul and in a cultural reality so vastly different from his, it is a tremendous challenge to live up to the apostle’s exhortation in every circumstance. Weighted down by the 24/7 news cycle telling of wars, violence, abuses and corruption, it is difficult to rejoice and give thanks. With somewhere around 37 million people in the United States living below the poverty line, it is a challenge for the humble-hearted to feast comfortably on rich foods that delight the palette with much loved family and friends around the table. In a nation of such abundance, why is it that there is such scarcity?
“Giving thanks” is more than simply saying “Thank you” to God and then going about one’s own business. Giving thanks is thankful giving of ourselves and out of our own resources to others who are in greater need. Perhaps it is that we give our time, our energy, our knowledge, or our understanding. Perhaps we share our faith, our food, our financial resources. Thankful giving can be as simple as doing unexpected kind acts for someone, listening compassionately to the story of another’s suffering, or offering words of encouragement.
It is giving that comes from a thankful heart that is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. In every circumstance there is something that we can give, be it hope, love, a smile, a hand, a kind word, reassurance, protection, companionship. Maybe we can add beauty to the world though visual arts, music, or dance. Anything that we bring to the world, to society, and to the lives of individuals with grateful love is giving thanks, is God’s will for us.
By Sister Therese Haydel, OSB