“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it…” Psalm 24:1
When Jesus gathered with his disciples in their homes, the host would have shared one of several blessings that always began by asking permission to partake from God, the source of all of life. After ritual washing to come before the Lord with clean hands, the blessings were shared. There were different blessings for grains and fruit of the vine, for vegetables, wine and meat. As an act of humility, the vowels were left out of prayers to God, as if we humans do not have sufficient language nor authority to approach the Holy One directly. If you were to ask Jesus, your Thanksgiving guest, to share the blessing for turkey at your feast of gratitude, he would say these words: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, by Whose word all things came to be. Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam shehakol nihiyah bed'varo.
"ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם שהכל נהיה בדברו"
Grace After Meals in Jesus’ tradition consists to this day of four primary blessings -- the first composed by Moses when the manna came down from heaven in the desert, the second by Joshua when the Children of Israel ate from the first harvest after entering the Holy Land, the third by Kings David and Solomon, and the fourth by the Sages in Mishnaic times. The full "Grace" is recited only after partaking of a meal that includes bread, and covers everything eaten during the meal.
Though here in Florida we live in the land of grapefruit and papaya, we share the traditional celebrations of pumpkin and apple pies with friends and family from northern climes. This Sunday we’ll welcome the season of gratitude with Bluegrass Harvest Vespers, followed by a Harvest Sunday on November 24 when we receive non-perishable foods for our local food pantry. I’ll also express profound gratitude next week-end for the privilege of equipping the church to follow the way of Jesus, as nearly four decades of local church ministry draws to a close.
Wherever this coming Thanksgiving finds you, dining with family or neighbors and friends or alone, may you consider concluding your Harvest meal with this prayer that Jesus would have said. It acknowledges God’s gifts from beginning to end:
“Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Creator of numerous living beings and their needs, for all the things You have created with which to sustain the soul of every living being. Blessed is He who is the Life of the worlds.”
In just two weeks we will transition from the season of harvest and gratitude to the Advent of God’s approach in light. If ever we needed the Advent of God with us in the world, it is in such a time as this. But not yet. First gather with your friends and neighbors to celebrate God’s feast of family, the feast of faith and the feast of life.
“Come, ye thankful people, come,
raise the song of harvest home;
all is safely gathered in,
ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
for our wants to be supplied;
come to God's own temple, come,
raise the song of harvest home.”
God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you and with those you love.
Rev. Dr. Anna V. Copeland
Senior Minister, The Community Church of Vero Beach
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