On a day on which the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos is transferred to a Sunday due to unique circumstance, Fr. Matthew Howell uses the Old Testament readings from the feast to discuss the issues of contentment and gratitude. He talks about how the temple was filled with the glory of God, and then ponders about the word "filled" to lead to the topic of contentment (as in, I am full, satisfied, and content). He states that contentment and gratitude regarding are possessions are needed in order for us to be filled with the glory of God, using the parable of the Foolish Rich Man (Luke 12:16-21) as a warning tale. He cautions, however, against settling for "good enough" when it comes to offering alms, love, prayer, and deepening relationships. Along the way he reads the Thanksgiving Sermon of Fr. Alexander Schmemann and also discusses a financial finish line idea introduced by Dr. Andrew Geleris in the book Money and Salvation.
Epistle: Hebrews 9:1-7
Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28
The famous Thanksgiving Day sermon of Fr. Alexander Schmemann was the last sermon he preached shortly before his repose in 1983. He read it immediately following the conclusion of the final Divine Liturgy he served at Saint Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary.
“Thank You, O Lord!”
A Sermon for Thanksgiving Day
By Fr. Alexander Schmemann
+ Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation and eternal joy.
+ Thank You, O Lord, for having accepted this Eucharist, which we offered to the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and which filled our hearts with the joy, peace and righteousness of the Holy Spirit.
+ Thank You, O Lord, for having revealed Yourself unto us and given us the foretaste of Your Kingdom.
+ Thank You, O Lord, for having united us to one another in serving You and Your Holy Church.
+ Thank You, O Lord, for having helped us to overcome all difficulties, tensions, passions, temptations and restored peace, mutual love and joy in sharing the communion of the Holy Spirit.
+ Thank You, O Lord, for the sufferings You bestowed upon us, for they are purifying us from selfishness and reminding us of the “one thing needed”: Your eternal Kingdom.
+ Thank You, O Lord, for having given us this country where we are free to worship You.
+ Thank You, O Lord, for this school[1], where the Name of God is proclaimed.
+ Thank You, O Lord, for our families: husbands, wives and, especially, children who teach us how to celebrate Your holy Name in joy, movement and holy noise.
+ Thank You, O Lord, for everyone and everything.
+ Great are You, O Lord, and marvelous are Your deeds, and no word is sufficient to celebrate Your miracles.
+ Lord, it is good to be here! Amen.
[1] Saint Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary of Tuckahoe, New York
