Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 2020, Year A

 

Lection Connection for Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost can be found here.

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 8:7-18)

Moses warns the Israelites not to forget the Lord when they occupy fruitful Canaan. It was the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, through the wilderness and who gives them the strength to work the land and acquire great wealth. They owe it all to him.

Psalm (65)

The Psalmist calls for praise to the God who answers prayer and forgives sins. Those among whom he dwells are blessed, but all flesh will eventually come to him. As creator he provides for the bounty of the earth, eliciting joy from the whole realm of nature.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

Paul encourages the Corinthians to give cheerfully and generously to the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, remembering that God has blessed them. This will generate blessings for themselves and thanksgiving to God from both Paul and the recipients.

Gospel (Luke 17:11-19)

Ten lepers approach Jesus for healing as he makes his way down to Jerusalem. He tells them to go to the priests for verification of cleansing. On their way they are all healed but, to Jesus’ amazement, only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• All that we have, including possessions and abilities, comes from God
• Giving thanks is not to be taken for granted but needs to be encouraged
• Failing to give thanks is often more than an act of forgetfulness
• God has already done so much for us that thanksgiving is always called for
• Thanksgiving for blessings, especially when tangibly expressed for others, brings blessings in turn
• You can’t out-give God

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126.6

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Creator of the fruitful earth,
you made us stewards of all things.
Give us grateful hearts for all your goodness,
and steadfast wills to use your bounty well,
that the whole human family,
today and in generations to come,
may with us give thanks for the riches of your creation. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN