Gratitude for Presence

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today from the CCCB, on the occasion of Thanksgiving Day in the US, resonate with the theme of gratitude as a response to all the events in our journey with Christ.

Greeting and Gratitude

The Reading from the Book of Daniel relates the fate of Daniel in the The Lions’ Den.

* [6:8–11] The Jews of the second century B.C. could relate the king’s attempt to force upon them, under pain of death, the worship of a foreign deity to the decrees of Antiochus IV; cf. 1 Mc 1:41–50.

* [6:9] Immutable and irrevocable: Est 1:19 and 8:8 also refer to the immutability of Medo-Persian laws. The same idea is found in the historian Diodorus Siculus with reference to the time of Darius III (335–331 B.C.), the last of the Persian kings. Cf. Dn 6:13, 16.

* [6:17] The lions’ den: a pit too deep to be easily scaled; its opening was blocked with a stone (v. 18). (Daniel, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Daniel 3 praises the Lord of the Natural Environment.

* [3:24–90] These verses are additions to the Aramaic text of Daniel, translated from the Greek form of the book. They were probably first composed in Hebrew or Aramaic, but are no longer extant in the original language. The Roman Catholic Church has always regarded them as part of the canonical Scriptures. (Daniel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents the Great Tribulation and the Coming of the Son of Man.

* [21:20–24] The actual destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in A.D. 70 upon which Luke and his community look back provides the assurance that, just as Jesus’ prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction was fulfilled, so too will be his announcement of their final redemption (Lk 21:27–28).

* [21:24] The times of the Gentiles: a period of indeterminate length separating the destruction of Jerusalem from the cosmic signs accompanying the coming of the Son of Man.

* [21:26] The powers of the heavens: the heavenly bodies mentioned in Lk 21:25 and thought of as cosmic armies. (Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Anish Kochanichottil, SJ, comments on how God’s quiet presence accompanies us through every trial, how His love redeems our pain and renews our hope.

When I look back over this year, I can see moments when I, too, was protected like Daniel in the lion’s den, moments when I felt surrounded, yet somehow found strength to stand again. Those unseen graces are what I thank God for today.

So even in a troubled world, I give thanks — not because everything is perfect, but because God remains faithful. Thanksgiving becomes not just a celebration of what we have, but a humble prayer of trust in the God who is still redeeming, healing, and leading us forward in hope. (Kochanichottil, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “The signs have been accomplished,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The signs given in the Gospel and in prophecy and fulfilled in us show the coming of the Lord... We know that the coming is near by the fact that we see the fulfillment of certain signs of that coming that have been accomplished... The signs that Christ told them to look for are listed in the Gospel of Saint Luke: 'Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the nations are fulfilled.' This has happened and no one doubts that it has happened... It is plain that there is no country or place in our time that is not harassed or humbled according to the words 'for fear and expectation of what will come on the whole world.' All the signs that the gospel describes in the earlier verses have mostly been accomplished." (excerpt from Letter 198) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Daniel 6:12-28 comments that today’s reading shows us that, for many of us, we may be exactly where God wants us. He may have put us there to be an intercessor or to be a friend. He may be calling us to bear witness to God’s goodness by the example of our lives.

God sends us to “shine before others, that they may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16). This may look like showing love when it’s unexpected, working with dedication when it’s not noticed, or giving honor when it’s not popular. Why? So that the goodness of the one true God and his kingdom may be revealed throughout the world.

“Holy Spirit, help me to shine brightly where I am today.” (Meditation on Daniel 6:12-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the USCCB readings for Thanksgiving Day in the US and shares some of the history of the texts and the vital role of gratitude in our lives as Christians.

Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us to pursue Christian unity and avoid the dissension and infighting we see in the Church of Corinth. In today’s reading from Acts, the Holy Spirit guides Peter to initiate ministry to the Gentiles, beginning with the family of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Upon hearing Peter preach, Cornelius’ entire household receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized. Today's readings are Acts 10, 1 Corinthians 1-2, Proverbs 27:21-22.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Diana Butler Bass who describes how a practice of gratitude empowers and enlivens us.

Gratitude is not a psychological or political panacea, like a secular prosperity gospel, one that denies pain or overlooks injustice, because being grateful does not “fix” anything. Pain, suffering, and injustice—these things are all real. They do not go away. Gratitude, however, invalidates the false narrative that these things are the sum total of human existence, that despair is the last word. Gratitude gives us a new story. It opens our eyes to see that every life is, in unique and dignified ways, graced: the lives of the poor, the castoffs, the sick, the jailed, the exiles, the abused, the forgotten as well as those in more comfortable physical circumstances. Your life. My life. We all share in the ultimate gift—life itself. Together. Right now….  

Gratitude calls us to sit together, to imagine the world as a table of hospitality. To feed one another. To feast, to dance in the streets. To know and celebrate abundance.(Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the role of gratitude in our lives that reveals in the actions of people and Nature the Presence of God as we are loved and restored by care.

References

Daniel, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/3 

Daniel, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/daniel/6 

Kochanichottil, A. (2025, November 27). Daily Reflection November 27, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-27-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21 

Meditation on Daniel 6:12-28. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/27/1436000/ 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Practice of Thanksgiving. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-practice-of-thanksgiving/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Son of Man Is Coming with Great Glory. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 27, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/

Tribulation in Gentile Times

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, near the end of the Liturgical Year, challenge us to respond to the tribulation in the world and in our environment as we reflect on our own “end time”.

Time and Tribulation

The reading from the Book of Revelation is a vision of the Fall of Babylon (Rome) and the Rejoicing in Heaven.

* [18:1–19:4] A stirring dirge over the fall of Babylon-Rome. The perspective is prophetic, as if the fall of Rome had already taken place. The imagery here, as elsewhere in this book, is not to be taken literally. The vindictiveness of some of the language, borrowed from the scathing Old Testament prophecies against Babylon, Tyre, and Nineveh (Is 23; 24; 27; Jer 50–51; Ez 26–27), is meant to portray symbolically the inexorable demands of God’s holiness and justice; cf. Introduction. The section concludes with a joyous canticle on the future glory of heaven. (Revelation, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 100 declares all Lands are summoned to praise God.

* [Psalm 100] A hymn inviting the people to enter the Temple courts with thank offerings for the God who created them.

* [100:3] Although the people call on all the nations of the world to join in their hymn, they are conscious of being the chosen people of God. (Psalms, PSALM 100 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, the Great Tribulation and the Destruction of Jerusalem are foretold.

* [21:20–24] The actual destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in A.D. 70 upon which Luke and his community look back provides the assurance that, just as Jesus’ prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction was fulfilled, so too will be his announcement of their final redemption (Lk 21:27–28).

* [21:24] The times of the Gentiles: a period of indeterminate length separating the destruction of Jerusalem from the cosmic signs accompanying the coming of the Son of Man.

* [21:26] The powers of the heavens: the heavenly bodies mentioned in Lk 21:25 and thought of as cosmic armies. (Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. considers these apocalyptic prophesies from the Book of Revelation and from Jesus, offered for our reflection in the last week of the Church year. He tries to open his  heart to hear what the Word is offering today.

It is into this place this week that we are invited to translate this Word into a message of hope and a preparation for the movements of Advent, just a few days away. What we are experiencing is not the end of the story. The forces of darkness and sin will not prevail.The ultimate victory belongs to our God. Jesus is with us. We can dare to reach out for his grace to continue our mission of loving and serving one another and the least of our brothers and sisters. (Alexander, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The signs have been accomplished,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The signs given in the Gospel and in prophecy and fulfilled in us show the coming of the Lord... We know that the coming is near by the fact that we see the fulfillment of certain signs of that coming that have been accomplished... The signs that Christ told them to look for are listed in the Gospel of Saint Luke: 'Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the nations are fulfilled.' This has happened and no one doubts that it has happened... It is plain that there is no country or place in our time that is not harassed or humbled according to the words 'for fear and expectation of what will come on the whole world.' All the signs that the gospel describes in the earlier verses have mostly been accomplished." (excerpt from Letter 198) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 21:20-28 comments that It doesn’t take a detailed investigation to see that Jesus’ warning is for us as well. We are all aware of how widespread war, violence, famine, and abuse have become. Even our environment (the frightening “roaring” of the oceans—Luke 21:25) is suffering the effects of human sin! So how should we respond?

Lift up your head! Let your faith and trust in the Lord be visible to the people around you. Join your heart with all believers so you can “shine like lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Let your peace draw others to the Lord so they can become instruments of peace as well.

Never forget the love and faithfulness of the Lord. Let him help you stand firm. And for heaven’s sake—and for the sake of everyone else—lift up your head!

“Jesus, help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, no matter what!” (Meditation on Luke 21:20-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the vision from Revelation, Babylon, representing Rome, is overthrown and the wedding feast of the Lamb is celebrated. The cities in the passage are represented as female, but this is not an anti-woman passage as the heavenly Jerusalem is also represented as female. Friar Jude reminds us that at the end of the world, after the “times of the Gentiles” there will be a separation of good and evil.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC affiliate faculty and Cherokee descendant Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley shares a prayer of Thanksgiving, reminding us of the preciousness of all life in its diversity:

I am thankful for Turtle Island [1], that it can become a place where freedom can take hold and become a place where one day we will all be equal under the law, both under the prevailing social structures, and in our own minds. And for the land itself; may you work through us to restore it to your most beautiful intentions. May all of your creatures, the four-legged, the swimmers, the flying things, the crawling things, and the two-legged creatures all be able to have a home on your land. May we make the water sacred once again, the first medicine that provides life to all your creation. May it not be commodified so as to keep it out of the reaches of any of your creatures, and may it be kept in a way that shows the respect for it that you gave it when you made the water such an important part of this earth. 

As I look around this circle we call Mother Earth, I am thankful to you that it is a sacred circle and in the circle no one is more, nor less, than the other. As I look around the sacred circle, I see that I am related to all your creation and that each one in the circle is as sacred as me. You have given us all stories to tell but in all our stories we find you. It is the you in the other that I most value Great Mystery. Please teach me about myself in this sacred circle so I may know you and reflect you more on this good earth, the whole community of creation, including humans. Thank you! (Rohr, n.d.)

We are approaching the end of the liturgical year and the Church reminds us of the trials and tribulations that are the consequence of the injustice and hatred that we witness in the “time of the Gentiles” that is contrary to Jesus Way.

References

Alexander, A. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries, from  https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112824.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21?20 

Meditation on Luke 21:20-28. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 28, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/28/1138294/ 

Psalms, PSALM 100 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/100?1 

Revelation, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/18?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Simple Prayer of Thanksgiving. CAC Daily Meditations. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-simple-prayer-of-thanksgiving/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Son of Man Is Coming with Great Glory. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 28, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov28