iHOPE

Abraham Lincoln and Thanksgiving

Among the many things for which to be thankful on Thursday, be sure to include Abraham Lincoln!

It was Lincoln who declared the first national holiday that we know and celebrate every November.

It was 1863 and we were still in the throes of the Civil War. Tens of thousands of soldiers had been slaughtered on the fields of war, including the recent battles at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Nonetheless (or maybe precisely because of this), Lincoln called the nation to a time of public Thanksgiving. Citizens were asked to offer their gratitude for the many blessings, even as they were to remember those in great sorrow and loss. 

I read portions of this proclamation as part of my sermon, "The Serious Business of Gratitude," but it's worth reading in its entirety. It is a good way to remember the heart of this holiday and how it might still best be celebrated.  Here is the full text :

A Grateful Day

 

We started a new series last Sunday:  The Gratitude project.

If you are having trouble seeing "The Gifts of the Day", try this video.

Enjoy!

Father Thomas Keating

 

If you have been part of our Everyday Spirituality classes and events, you probably know of Thomas Keating. Otherwise, you may not. In either case, this short video will illustrate why he has been a mentor, teacher and guide for many. He passed away this week. The way he faced into death is a pretty good indication of the way he faced into life, and why so many were blessed by it. I'm one of those people.