A new suggestion for my experience on Thanksgiving Day, and an appropriate companion to the Deuteronomy 8:7-18 reading.
Two important reminders for people in my country: a touchstone on religion with contentment, and also a warning for the rich. Let’s also keep before us that every home with a full table certainly qualifies.
Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world,
just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.
If we have food and clothing,
we shall be content with that.
Those who want to be rich
are falling into temptation
and into a trap
and into many foolish and harmful desires,
which plunge them into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is the root of all evils,
and some people in their desire for it
have strayed from the faith
and have pierced themselves with many pains.
But you, (chosen) of God, avoid all this.
Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith,
love, patience, and gentleness.
Tell the rich in the present age
not to be proud
and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth
but rather on God,
who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.
Tell them to do good,
to be rich in good works,
to be generous,
ready to share,
thus accumulating as treasure
a good foundation for the future,
so as to win the life that is true life.
Catholic Sensibility 