The holiday we celebrate today is a truly Christian and uniquely American one. We all know the story of the Pilgrims and their 1620 voyage to gain religious freedom. But standing on our perch of material abundance, can we relate to their struggles crossing the turbulent North Atlantic or during that first cold winter in Plymouth? Probably not. Our experiences are just so vastly different.
Similarly, we probably can’t relate to the struggles of a first century Samaritan leper, but despite being God, Jesus apparently could. In Luke 17, we hear about the 10 lepers He meets on His journey to Jerusalem. After Jesus instructs them to “show themselves to the priests,” all 10 are healed, and yet only a Samaritan returns to glorify God and give thanks. For this, he receives salvation in addition to his healing.
As Christians in our own challenging times, it can be difficult to see how blessed we truly are and walk in the spirit of thankfulness that the Samaritan leper so clearly demonstrated. Despite the many reasons he had to be discouraged, he chose to see his journey as one illuminated by the grace of God, starting with the gift of his very life.
On this special day, the Cornerstone family walks in the spirit of thanksgiving for our supporters, our companions on this road: past, present, and future. With Jesus as our Lord and guide and all of you by our side, we look forward to times of greater understanding of the fundamental nature of human dignity and respect for the family.
God of all creation, please bless the Christian leaders and faithful of New Hampshire. As we journey with You, may each step we take follow Your will and lead our state to overflow with the fruit of Your abundant Grace. In Jesus’ Holy Name we pray.
May you and your loved ones have a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving.
