Finding Faith ... in being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ here on earth

EDITOR'S NOTE: In October 2021 I began a new venture writing a newspaper column titled "Finding Faith" for the Forum Communications Co. network of newspapers and websites. I was asked to contribute to the company's ongoing conversation about faith, lending a Lutheran and fairly ecumenical approach to the discussion. The column was published in several of the company's papers and websites, including The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. This column originally appeared as a "Finding Faith" column on Nov.17, 2023.

The Rev. Devlyn Brooks at his home church, Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn.

By The Rev. Devlyn Brooks

“And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:40)

As we approach Thanksgiving this coming week, I can think of no better way of celebrating our gratitude than by helping out those who may be in need. Because that is what Thanksgiving is about, right? … Gratitude.

During the past couple weeks in confirmation, we’ve been studying gratefulness, and the role it plays in our faith. After all, as faithful people we are called upon to lift up thanks to a Creator that offers us so much abundance.

But even setting faith aside for a hot tick, there is plenty of science that tells us living a life full of gratitude improves our mental and physical health, improving our sleep, moods and even our immunity. Gratitude can even decrease depression, anxiety, chronic pain and our risk of disease.

Besides, in my experience, those that live a life in gratitude just seem to radiate with Jesus’ love, and who isn’t attracted to that!

This past week, I spoke with staff members at two upper Minnesota shelters for those who are unhoused. Let’s be blunt: They are in critical need of support, supplies and money. The demands being placed on shelters, food pantries and other services serving “the least of these brothers and sisters” these days just may break some of these organizations.

Many of us this coming week will sit down around full tables with our loved ones and enjoy food, fellowship and joy. Nothing wrong with that. It’s a part of God’s gift of abundance.

But in celebrating for which all that we are thankful, as faithful people, I also pray that our gratitude moves us toward actions that support our neighbors -- those known to us, and those unknown to us -- who may not be in as fortunate situations as ourselves.

This is a perilous time for all of the entities serving the least of our brothers and sisters, all across America. And in the world’s richest nation, it seems that caring for those who go without shelter, food and clothing is the least we can do.

After all, expressing gratitude in return for the great abundance God offers us isn’t much to ask. … And remember, the Gospel of Luke also tells us that “to whom much has been given, much will be required.”

Jesus no longer walks the earth to serve those without. So that leaves us to serve as his hands and feet in his stead, which is what being faithful is about.

I pray this week that your gratitude moves you to support the services in your community serving those who go without. Amen.

Devlyn Brooks is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and serves Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn. He also works for Forum Communications Co. He can be reached at devlynbrooks@gmail.com for comments and story ideas.