thanksgiving

I was intrigued that the readings in the English lectionary - which I am using - were so different, apparently, from the mood of Thanksgiving Day. They warn of how hard life with Jesus could make our earthly relationships. Not really the most easy of reading on a day when we tend to think about friends and family.

But, actually, being pulled in different directions is part of life. Mother-in-law jokes are not for nothing - the stresses of extended families can be very real as different understandings and expectations come together - not to mention that some families simply have bad habits or behave in ways which are not healthy - then the stress can be much greater.

Jesus is calling his followers to a life lived better and He is more than aware that the sort of radical transformation he is putting forth for people will not come without criticism from others - especially those who are the closest. But he is clear that the norms and expectations for his followers must now come from the Kingdom of Heaven and not from family of origin - you have to choose, He says, between me and those who would pull you away from me. It is a question of primary loyalty - to the Gospel or to other people - no matter who they are.

I suppose in amongst the Turkey, football and shopping it would do us no little harm to consider this conundrum of who we are in Christ, who are we loyal to, from whom do we take our direction. This reflection might be part of our Thanksgiving - knowing that there are always those around us who seek the same path that we do, those who encourage us, those who want our relationship with God to flourish.

Thank God for Jesus and the invitation but thank God for all those who journey with us on this path of faith and make the invitation more real to us. Today is a time for those thoughts - Advent will be the time to work through some of the loose ends and dig out the potholes.

Thank-you God for your Son Jesus Christ
Thank-you for this journey of faith which I am walking
Let me walk more closely with you today.
Thank-you for all those who have walked and are walking with me
Especially........
Be with those who are fearful, fill those who doubt, feed those who hunger
Let me use all that I am and all that I have to shed your light in the world,
And to bring hope and healing,
Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.