Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Diocese of Lincoln has released its Humanities Syllabus for November, focusing on the theme "the Harvest of Love." The syllabus highlights how gratitude and remembrance are central to this time of year, especially during Thanksgiving in the United States and Martinmas Day, a Catholic celebration marking the fall harvest.

Quoting from 2 Corinthians 9:8, 10-11, the syllabus underscores a message of generosity and thanksgiving: “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.... He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

The program encourages participants to see the harvest not only as a collection of grain but as an opportunity for love. Referencing Paul’s words, “You are God’s field,” it emphasizes that people are called to bear fruit in love by serving others and building community both at home and within the Church.

The syllabus discusses Pope Pius XI's view that parents can make their homes places where children experience a "foretaste of paradise," despite life's hardships. It acknowledges that reconciliation and healing often take time within families but stresses charity as key to enduring peace.

For November, several cultural works are recommended:

- The film “Babette’s Feast” (1987) is highlighted as an example of how communal meals can foster reconciliation and grace. A quotation from the film captures this idea: “The moment comes when our eyes are opened, and we see and realize that grace is infinite. We need only await it with confidence and acknowledge it in gratitude. Grace makes no conditions. And see! That which we have chosen is given us… and that which we have refused... is also granted us. Yes, that which we rejected is granted us. Mercy and truth have met together. Righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another.”

- Mozart’s operas “Don Giovanni” and “The Marriage of Figaro” are used to illustrate themes of temptation, forgiveness, hope, joy, and mercy.

- Alessandro Manzoni’s novel “The Betrothed” is recommended as a story about overcoming adversity through faith, forgiveness, repentance, and charity.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Evangeline” serves as an example of perseverance in love amid displacement.

- Diego Velázquez’s painting “Christ in the House of Mary and Martha” prompts reflection on balancing daily duties with spiritual focus.

Additional recommendations include books by Wendell Berry (“Jayber Crow,” “Hannah Coulter”), films such as “Return to Me,” musical works like Rossini's “The Barber of Seville,” poems by Ben Jonson, Christina Rossetti, William Butler Yeats, art by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, among others.

A children’s syllabus offers age-appropriate selections including Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book “Little House in the Big Woods,” movies like “The Swiss Family Robinson,” music such as Humperdinck's opera "Hansel and Gretel," poetry by Langston Hughes ("Thanksgiving Time"), plus visual art recommendations.

In conclusion, Bishop Conley encourages all participants to use meals and gatherings not just for celebration but also as opportunities for prayerful thanksgiving: "God is the one who provides us with every blessing in abundance so that we can be generous with others."