On October 25th, 2024, President Biden apologized to the Native American tribes about the forced removal of children from their parents to put them into government-run boarding schools. For the last 150 years, children have been deprived of their culture and language.
In 1879, “Social Gospel” was coined to show Christian action against societal problems such as poverty, slavery, and labor reform. How do these two statements compare? The comparison is stark. Societal problems influence culture, which in turn influences politicians to consider and pass laws to improve society,
Today, social justice is prevalent in religious circles. However, Jesus told his disciples to preach the good news to everyone. Jesus knew that conversion of the heart would prompt his disciples to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, etc. In the 1920s, prohibition laws were passed. A decade later, they were repealed; politicians learned that you cannot legislate morality.
In the history of Central America and South America, the Conquistadors conquered the nations, disregarding their cultures. Because of this, Christianity was slow to take root. In Mexico on December 9th, 1531, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Juan Diego. The bishop was hesitant; he wanted a sign. Although it was winter, Juan found roses and brought them to the Bishop in his cloak. When he opened his cloak, roses fell out, and our Lady of Guadalupe was imprinted. A church was built, and within one generation, Pagan beliefs were abolished in favor of Christianity. This shows the power of God to change hearts and minds.
What does this have to do with your Thanksgiving? Do you only think Father God wants a year or daily for His blessings? Psalm 100:4 instructs us to enter his gates with Thanksgiving…
Do you think God, despite your circumstances? I challenge you to commit this psalm to memory in daily prayer. Additionally, at nighttime, think of three things you are thankful for: a bird’s chirp, the warmth of the sun, or a call from an old friend. Doing this practice will help cultivate God’s blessings. May this be the start of your daily Thanksgiving!
Mary Bludnicki
