Erl Purnell Sermon

Thanksgiving Day ~ November 22, 2007 ~ A sermon preached by The Rev’d Erl G. Purnell at Old St. Andrew’s Church, Bloomfield, CT

How easy it is to save giving thanks for the third Thursday in November.

When, we should thank the Lord for our sink of dirty dishes and the plenty we have to eat every day. We should be thankful for our stinky laundry and all the clothes we have to wear; for our unmade beds, beds that were so comfortable and warm last night. Remember, many have no bed, few clothes, and all too little food.

We should be thankful every day for the bathroom, complete with all the splattered mess, soggy, grimy towels and the incredible convenience they bring. We should be thankful for our finger-smudged refrigerators that need defrosting so badly, and for the cold drinks, fresh food, and leftovers inside. We should be thankful for that old oven that says, “Please clean me,” because it has baked so many things for our family and friends. Not everybody has an oven like ours, an electric refrigerator, or a bathroom with running water.

We should be thankful for the leaves that need to be raked, the car that needs an oil change, and the times we all enjoy the yard; for that slamming screen door and chores we have to do. We should be thankful for our kids as they run and play, and for the blessing of family and friends. You know, even though we may not have all we want, not everybody has what we have.

Even though we growl when the morning alarm rings, give thanks that you can hear. Even though we keep our eyes closed against the light, give thanks that you can see. Even though we may huddle in bed as long as possible, give thanks for the strength to get up and live another day. For, there are so many who are deaf or blind or bed-ridden.

Even though the day may be hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and the kids too loud, give thanks for family because there are so many who are lonely.

Even though the breakfast table would never be in a magazine ad and the menu is not always balanced, give thanks for the food you have, because, you know hunger still lives in our country and the world.

Even though your job not be the best, give thanks for the opportunity to work. Just think about those who have no job.

Even though you may grumble and bemoan your fate and wish your circumstances were better, you can give thanks for all you do have. Be thankful today for the joy of yesterday and the promise of tomorrow.

Thanksgiving is our special day to gather around the Table. In the secular world, Thanksgiving recapitulates Jesus’ gathering his friends together. For, don’t we all know that the Table is always the meeting place—a banquet feast where all are welcome? The Table is the central metaphor for Jesus open hospitality.

When the Prodigal returns, it’s to a banquet. In John’s Gospel, it’s a wedding feast at Cana that Jesus begins his ministry. Jesus eats with scribes, tax collectors, and prostitutes. It’s at the Table in the upper room that we learn the the words of the Eucharist. At the Table, all are fed and restored. Gathering together at the Table is the central metaphor of Jesus’ ministry.

Perhaps you’ve heard about the big Thanksgiving Day feast in heaven a few years ago. The only trouble was, Jesus was missing. Peter ran to Gates to find Jesus. He calls out, “What are you doing? The party’s started.” Jesus replies, “Oh, I was just hoping maybe Judas would show up.”

Eating and sharing are justice issues. By opening the Table to all, God’s inclusive embrace is realized. We restore the Kingdom of God at Table. All is made well.

So, on this day and all days, give thanks, open the door of your life, and welcome everybody to your Table?

Amen.