John Petty, Catholic Editor
Altar of Thanksgiving and Sacrifice – Photo by John Petty
Every November sees with it the emergence of a renewal of Thanksgiving amongst Americans in the United States, in anticipation of the beloved holiday.
Commenting on his favorite thanksgiving food, junior Nolan Ostrowski said, “I like mashed potatoes with pepper.”
“I am thankful that the Christmas lights are coming up soon,” said junior Ava Koester.
While images of turkey, mashed potatoes as well as pumpkin pie may come to mind, the holiday of Thanksgiving has a spiritual aspect that many may argue is overlooked.
In the Catholic Church, and some other Christian Churches, the celebration of the Eucharist is the summit of liturgical celebration. The word Eucharist itself in Greek literally means thanksgiving. Furthermore, parts of the Mass including the Gloria that is recited every Sunday Mass emphasizes giving thanks to God for his glory. The act of liturgical celebration itself among the people of God is always an act of thanksgiving.
With this in mind, the notion of thanksgiving in the Catholic view is not confined to the November holiday, but is something that is renewed every Sunday during the celebration of the Mass. The word Mass comes from the Latin word Missae, meaning “to be sent.” The Liturgical significance of authentic thanksgiving is ultimately centered on the highest thanksgiving: the Eucharist.
In the Biblical understanding, meals have always held covenantal significance. It was a meal that marked the beginning of the Pesach (Passover) in the Old Testament. Furthermore, every animal sacrifice held in the Temple would involve the people partaking of the sacrifice by eating it. Most notably, in the New Testament Jesus instituted the New Covenant at the Last Supper, offering his own body, blood, soul and divinity.
Raphael’s Disputation of the Blessed Sacrament – Photo by John Petty
This significance is also found in the historical, early ages of the Church. In the Early Church following the celebration of the Liturgy, congregants would sometimes gather for large meals with each other known as Agape feasts. The word Agape in the Greek refers to the love of God for his people, that is, self-sacrificial love. Gathered in thanksgiving and love for God and each other, these meals allowed for an increased strengthening of fraternal bonds in times of great persecution.
Theologically, meals often signify unity–communion–with others. Gathering at the table with relatives, friends and other loved ones may be seen as a gathering of love.
“It is the ultimate communal meal,” said senior Benjamin Zeppa. “Many members of the body of Christ, at any moment of the day, partake in this divine meal. There cannot be a more awe inspiring thanksgiving than that.”
Agape – Photo by John Petty
Thanksgiving is a largely celebrated holiday in American culture. The football games, food and strengthening of familial bonds are often thought of as intrinsic aspects of this classic holiday. Connecting to the Catholic faith, the American holiday of Thanksgiving may serve as a time for authentic thanksgiving rooted in the highest love of God in the Eucharist, as well as a time for giving to each other in the spirit of self-sacrifice.
The Saint 