From the Friars: Passing the Mustard
“The best kind of giving is thanksgiving” says G. K. Chesterton. This great writer is perhaps best known for his heavy emphasis on the importance of gratitude. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day this week, GKC comes to mind and the truth of his insight. Of course, he understood well that being thankful was not a sort of vague sentiment but a heartfelt act directed to someone who has done us a kindness. And more than anything else it is appreciation expressed to God, with wonder and awe at His amazing goodness and generosity.
Jesus heals the leper, by Bida, Alexandre. Public Domain, Link
I would highly recommend reading the essay by Chesterton entitled “The Philosophy of Gratitude”. The following is a quote from it:
“Are we to have any gratitude for the positive miracles of life? We thank a man for passing the mustard; is there indeed nothing that we can thank for the man who passes it, for the great, fat, living, two-legged, two-eyed fairy tale, who, by the mystical avenues of ears and hands, is magically agitated to pass the mustard? Is the offering to us of that creature so small a civility, that we shall not even say a word about it? No: most men have felt that we should say a word. Most men have felt that many words even should be said in the matter. And so great cathedrals have risen in this land and little churches in every parish, and immense religions over every part of the earth, … because men refused to regard the mustard as of more value to us than the man who passed it. If they gave thanks for one, they must give thanks for the other. And so, temples have been built.”
All thanksgiving is rooted in that of the Eternal Son to God the Father. Our Lord’s death on the Cross is now joined to that eternal Eucharist, or thanksgiving, made present at the Holy Mass. Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, is the King of gratitude. May Our Blessed Mother help us see the greatness of the gift of the ordinary.
Example: Even if the Lions lose on Thanksgiving Day, we can thank the Lord for the great City of Detroit.
Viva Cristo Rey and Happy Thanksgiving!
–Fr. Peter