Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Happy Thanksgiving!
On this day of gratitude, I thank God for you, the faithful of the Diocese of Allentown. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your intentions. In a special way, I thank the medical and emergency personnel who are working on this holiday, and I thank those who serve in the military for their service. For those of you who may be sick, suffering, or grieving this time of year, know that I pray for you in particular.
As Catholics, today is a good day for us to remember that our lives and our worship are all oriented around giving thanks. The word “Eucharist” actually means “thanksgiving.” At Mass, we offer ourselves along with Christ in gratitude for God’s work of creation, redemption, and sanctification.
God made us out of pure love—not because of any necessity or anything we might add to Him. Then, He sent His only begotten Son to become one of us and die to save us. Thus, our very existence, and everything in it, is cause for our giving thanks.
I invite you to bring this attitude of Thanksgiving into the Advent Season, which begins on Sunday. Join me in giving thanks to Jesus Christ, who became a humble baby for our sakes—and promises to come again in glory.
+ Bishop Schlert
