Beyond the tales of pilgrims and Native Americans, Thanksgiving embodies something more profound — a humanity of gratitude, unity and the joy found in communal gatherings. It’s a time when hearts and tables open wide, welcoming all to partake in a feast that goes beyond cultural boundaries.
In the heart of Longmont, amidst the varied tapestries of faith, the Longmont Buddhist Temple and the First Baptist Church of Longmont stand as two storied traditions — Buddhism and Christianity — both woven with threads of gratitude, community and a timeless spirit of thankfulness that transcends seasons and celebrations.
Minister’s Assistant, Andi Dean, from the Longmont Buddhist Temple, and Matt Shinn, a pastor at First Baptist Church of Longmont, both illuminated how their respective faiths embrace similar values, despite their differences.
“Thanksgiving, I think for us, it’s also just a Thursday because we’re going to show our gratitude anytime,” Dean said. “A lot of our practices revolve around expressing gratitude in our day-to-day lives. It’s about being thankful for the teachings and reframing the mindset to appreciate what one has rather than always seeking more.”
Dean went on to emphasize the trinity of Buddhism — the reverence for the Buddha, the teachings (Dharma) and the importance of communal practice (Sangha) — a path walked together in community, reinforcing unity and shared commitment.
“The Christian story revolves around remembering what God has done for us. Gratitude is the heartbeat of Christianity because, without God, there would be very little hope,” Shinn said. “Gratitude towards God is something that we try to emphasize each week in our worship service.”
Dean spoke of the deep-rooted significance of gratitude within Buddhism, highlighting how daily practices revolve around the simple act of being thankful.
“Every morning, we chant sutras and express gratitude for the causes and conditions that led to our present moment. We show humility and gratitude through bowing, a significant practice in our tradition,” Dean said.
In Christianity, morning and nightly prayers, or saying grace at mealtimes, often involve expressing thankfulness for blessings, seeking guidance and acknowledging one’s gratitude to God for various aspects of life. The Last Supper, a significant event in Christianity, involved Jesus sharing bread and wine with his disciples before his crucifixion, symbolizing his body and blood.
“One tradition that is part of the Christian experience for all churches is coming and taking communion. When we do that, we’re remembering what Jesus has done for us. We’re choosing to participate in his sufferings and respond gratefully that he has done this for us,” Shinn said.
Dean mentioned that before meals, they often use a concise phrase that encapsulates gratitude for the various factors and circumstances in the world that have converged to create the present joyful moment — an acknowledgment of the myriad of factors that converge to create each moment, fostering an appreciation for every occurrence.
“Some of the things we can control, some of the things were just random chance that here we are, and just to be thankful for them. It’s not just being thankful for the good things, but being thankful for all things,” Dean said. “Food brings people together; we express gratitude for the entire process, from the growth to the meal preparation.”
Another notable Christian event is the “Feeding of the 5,000,” where Jesus miraculously fed a large crowd using just five loaves of bread and two fish. This miracle demonstrates Jesus’s compassion and ability to provide for the needs of many with very little.
“We engage in daily practices and donations, fostering a sense of gratitude for the teachings and the space to practice them,” Dean said.
“Acts of generosity and care for those in need are at the core of our community’s values. We are exploring ways to extend our care further into our community,” Shinn said. “Even before Jesus goes to his death, he’s sitting there sharing a meal with his disciples. Even back in the Old Testament, God tells them to eat a meal together, remembering what He has done.”
Both Buddhism and Christianity converge in their teachings on thankfulness, community and compassionate action, illustrating that at the core of diverse faiths lies a shared appreciation for the spirit of generosity and gratitude.
