A very Happy Thanksgiving to all our Liturgy Blog readers. Thanksgiving Day is a rare national holiday with religious overtones. The United States of America is predicated on our Founding Fathers’ trust in God’s Providence, and a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving was first proclaimed by President George Washington on November 5, 1782. As we come together today as family to celebrate Mass with our parish community, let us remember that the word Eucharist is derived from the Greek word for “thanksgiving.”
There are many options in the Lectionary for the readings today. In its missal publications, OCP recommends the following readings: Sirach 50:22-24; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; and Luke 17:11-19.
The First Reading from Sirach sets the table for today’s celebration: “And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth.” Sirach was a wise sage of the Old Testament and his book is sometimes called “Ecclesiasticus” (meaning “church book”) because the early Church made much use of Sirach’s wisdom in its instruction to the catechumens who were preparing for baptism. His message today is simple: For all the wonderful things that God has given us, we say “Thank you! Bless the Lord!”
In the Second Reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, the apostle says: “I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in many ways.” He finds joy in our shared belief in Jesus Christ, who binds us together as a Christian family.
Lastly, today’s Gospel from Luke is the well-known story of the healing of the lepers. Ten were healed but only one, a Samaritan outsider, returned to thank Jesus. His words to the Samaritan are brief but very empowering: “Stand up and go! Your faith has saved you.”
Our faith is our salvation! And when we become aware of God’s generous blessings, the best way to say “Thank You” is to do what Jesus told the Samaritan: Go out there and proclaim our joy in God’s love!
Thanksgiving Entrance Antiphon Sing and Make Music to the Lord in Your Hearts (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #206
This Antiphon is taken from Ephesians 5. Here’s an idea to incorporate both the Entrance Antiphon and the Entrance Chant: The choir or cantors sing the Antiphon as the ministers and priest process to the altar. Then, as the priest takes his place at the presider’s chair, the entire community sings the Entrance Chant together.
Entrance Chant 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) (Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman)
Spirit & Song #270; Breaking Bread #544
Many parishes have only one Mass on Thanksgiving Day. It is good to sing familiar and beloved songs, and “10,000 Reasons” will be an excellent way to gather the diverse community as one.
Responsorial Psalm Blessed Be the Name of the Lord for Ever (Josh Blakesley)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: page 368
Josh Blakesley’s verbatim setting of Psalm 113 has an appealing rhythmic vibe.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Renewal (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: page 370
The acclamation verse exhorts us to focus on the Gospel message: “In all circumstances, give thanks.”
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts The Table of the Lord (Dana Catherine and Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #491
Relatively new, the refrain of this song of unity and discipleship is easily learned.
Thanksgiving Communion Antiphon How Can I Repay the Lord [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #208
Antiphon Option 2 offers a gentle reflection of thanksgiving. As a suggestion, choir or cantors can sing this as the ministers are receiving Communion. When the congregation processes to the altar, the Communion Chant begins and invites all to sing as together as one Body of Christ.
Communion Chant Grateful (Tom Tomaszek)
Spirit & Song #242; Never Too Young #140
Tom Tomaszek’s gentle reflection has become an anthem for Thanksgiving Day.
Sending Forth Holy God, We Praise Thy Name (Traditional; arr. by Rick Modlin)
Spirit & Song #311; Never Too Young #95; Breaking Bread #206
Rick Modlin’s arrangement is a fresh take on this beloved hymn of praise. You also have the option to sing this with the traditional arrangement as found in Breaking Bread.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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