“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace and a soul generated by love.”

— Coretta Scott King

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) all record the story of Jesus calming the waters during a storm on the lake. 

With the coming of evening that same day, Jesus said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” And leaving the crowds behind they took him, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped. But he was in the stern, his head on a cushion, asleep. They woke him and said to him, “Master do you not care? We are going down!”  And he woke up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Quiet now! Be calm!” And the wind dropped, and all was calm again. Then he said to them, “Why are you so frightened? How is it that you have no faith?” They were filled with awe and said to one another: “Who can this be? Even the wind and sea obey him.” (Mark 4: 35-41)

This is a powerful story, filled with promise and hope for all of us especially in the “stormy” times of our lives. It is just such times that we may feel overwhelmed, caught up in fear, and sometimes feeling rudderless. How true this is in our personal lives at times, as well as in our society, our country, our world with the COVID-19 pandemic, the election season, etc. Have you wondered, with the disciples, if the Lord is asleep in the midst of it all?

It is important to hear again — God is in charge of all! Jesus’ invitation is to open our hearts to the truth of the Lord’s call to trust Him. Doing so doesn’t mean our problems just go away, but all will be okay. Over the last months, we have heard the admonition, “We’re all in this together.” May we embrace the words of Coretta Scott King, and with gratitude for the blessings and opportunities in our lives, we may live the spirit of Thanksgiving each and every day.

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

God most provident, we join all creation

In raising to you a hymn of thanksgiving through Jesus Christ, Your Son.

For generation upon generation peoples of this land have sung of

Your bounty; We, too, offer You praise for the rich harvest we have received at Your hands. 

Bless us and this food which we share with grateful hearts. 

Continue to make our land fruitful and let our love for You be seen in our pursuit of peace and justice, and in our generous response to those in need. Praise and Glory to You, Lord God, now and for ever. Amen.

— Msgr. Larry M. Bakke is pastor for St. Clare of Assisi Parish and director of the Apostolate to the Handicapped for the Diocese of Madison.