GEMS PURLOINED FROM OTHER PEOPLE'S BLOGS

From In a Godward Direction:

Thanksgiving and our Role

While preaching my extempore sermon for Thanksgiving Day, just prior to feeding the hungry in our parish hall, I realized I'd picked the Gospel for Year B insead of Year A (I'm already thinking next Sunday!) Perhaps this was a serendipity, though, for it struck me how well this Gospel about not worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear fits in with this past Sunday's Gospel of judgment upon those precisely who failed to provide food, drink and clothing to the least among the king's family. God provides most of us with so much. Yet others have nothing. Isn't it then, through us, that "God provides" them with food, drink and clothing?

It is a scandal that today — this very night — people will starve to death while others scrape wasted food from their plates that they are unable to eat for surfeit and satiation.

Lord, have mercy. Even in thanks, remember. And more than remember, act! (My emphasis)

Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG

And we all say, "Amen!"

I have taken Tobias' post in its entirety. I hope he doesn't mind.

From Kirkepiscotoid:

I always find it interesting that the most common barb thrown by the "unhappy atheists" is always along the lines of trying to distill Christianity or any religion down to "where you end up when you die," when I would tell you that is the part that is rarely on my mind. I'm far more interested in Christianity teaching me how to live. (My emphasis)

Do I hear another "Amen!"?

Kirke's longer reflection is inspired by her mother's years-long battle with emphysema, and I urge you to read the entire post for it is very good.