Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a NRSV
In his first letter to the Thessalonians Paul speaks these words in the knowledge that those in the church of Thessalonica have been faithful to God since Paul first preached and taught them about the Good News of Jesus the Christ. In fact, Paul laments that he had to leave and had not been able to return for a visit and even sent Timothy to be with them for a while. The letter laments that Paul is not with them and yet is full of loving encouragement for the church to continue in the manner they follow the way of Jesus. A letter of encouragement and thanksgiving.
The very word Eucharist comes from the Greek eukharistia which means thanksgiving. While during the service of Eucharist we are not celebrating the meal shared by the early colonists and the indigenous people of the America’s we are offering thanksgiving to God. And while we are thankful for the many blessings of this life health, housing, food, employment, and the like, do you wonder how can we also be thankful in all circumstances including sickness, homelessness, hunger, and unemployment for example?
Because the rejoicing, praying, and thanksgiving circumstance Paul is talking about is the salvific work of Jesus on the cross. The Good News that Jesus’ sacrifice brings the world into right relationship with God. That our sins are forgiven and that death has been conquered. That full grace has been handed out both unearned and underserved to all. In that gift we are transformed in this world. That gives us all cause to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all circumstances, good and bad.
It does not mean that we should not give thanks for good things either. This is why, I believe, we all gather during this time of thanksgiving. When we gather for worship and a thanksgiving meal at the 5pm service this Sunday we have gratitude for each other and the Holy Spirit Community. Thanksgiving in person as a community for the Good News of Jesus. We give thanks for God and neighbor.
Similarly we are also offering thanksgiving for all of the sacrifices offered for the Walk in Love Stewardship campaign as this Sunday is Ingathering Sunday. We take all the cards, representing those pledged sacrifices, and offer them up in thanksgiving to God. We give thanks for the things God has given us and for the ability to return them in part back to God so that the Good News will continue to be taught and passed down to future generations through the life of this Holy Spirit Community.
Remember, circumstances may not always be to our benefit in this world. Things may not always be rosy. Yet, through the loving gift of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection our sins are forgiven and we may enter into everlasting life with him. So in light of this Good News we can rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.
God’s Peace,
Fr. Mitch+