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THANKSGIVING DAY

Quite obviously the Scripture passages were arranged to fit the theme of "giving thanks" for the God's provisions and protection.  The four texts call us to offer thanks in their own unique way:

The Hebrew Scriptures come from the prophet Joel who envisions the restoration of God's people.  He is focusing our attention on a bountiful future God has in store for us and encourages us to have no fear, but be hopeful and thankful instead.

The Psalmist, evokes the past.  He recalls God's mighty acts of salvation and restoration in history.  And he conveys to us a lesson learned from past experiences with God: the promise that lies in a pietistic work attitude: "Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves."

The Epistle Lesson centers us on the present, on the worldly realities that surround us and the way we can and should live in light of God's salvation offered to us through Christ our mediator. The author encourages us to an attitude of thanksgiving even if our current situation may be less than desirable.

The Gospel Lesson offers the timeless words of our LORD himself. Just like Joel, Jesus says: don't worry (Joel: "fear"). His timeless rule of life: "put God first and the rest will fall in place!" Interestingly, "giving thanks" is not specifically mentioned in this passage; it nevertheless elicits a response of thankfulness from the reader -- thankfulness for the provisions of a loving and caring God.   Jesus evokes images from nature to drive home his message about God's love and care for us.