At some point in time I will ask my junior high children what 'Eucharist' means. Some will answer 'communion, or 'Mass,' but I will continue to push. Eventually I will let them in on the secret, that 'Eucharist' means Thanksgiving. The prayers at Mass point to the gifts that God has bestowed upon us, and the salvation that is freely given to us through the Paschal Mystery which we celebrate.
Just like in real life, the ability to say 'thank-you' draws us into a deeper relationship with the one we are thanking. Whether we consider the gift of sweat socks, or the time spent with us in our sickness, our thanksgiving causes us to consider the giver, and the love that is conveyed by the gifts we receive.
The pastoral letter, "Stewardship: A Disciples Response," invites us to receive God's gifts gratefully, to nurture and nourish them, to share them with love and charity, and to return them to the Lord with increase. Our taking responsibility of our faith in this way continues to build up the kingdom.
Today we can welcome people at our door by proclaiming "Blessed be God forever" as we consider the people and gifts that have grace our lives. We give thanks to God for all things.
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