Of Thanksgiving & Humility

Humility is the soil from which the spiritual disciplines grow. Jesus told us to be humble in our practices of alms giving, fasting, and prayer. Without humility we are just making noise to draw attention to our self-centered egos. Only through humility can I understand that all that I have is from God. My ego is stroked by the notion that I have created my own wealth. It is all about me. And by patting myself on my back for a job well-done, I’ve already received my reward. I am thankful for me. Absent humility, Thanksgiving Day is a celebration of self, of toasting my accomplishments.

Humility connects me to Jesus, who humbled himself becoming human, and even in the bread and wine. After all, the Eucharistic meal means “thanksgiving.” Without humility there is no thanksgiving meal. Humility connects me to all of humanity because Christ is present in each one of us. If I cannot see Christ in my neighbor, then how will I see him in the bread and the cup, or those gathered around the roasted turkey?

This Thanksgiving Day is humbling because a virus has disrupted our traditions, both as families and as a nation. May we be humble enough to remain grateful and be thankful in all things.