Thanksgiving – Again
and Again
Most of our readers have traditions
honored over time, or developed in a creative moment just a few years ago,
or even last year; in any case, this effort to make important one meal a
year, is played out at family tables all over the US. We choose to mark the
day, identify our blessings, remember the needy, and consider each other
in the best of all possible lights. Why? Because regardless of personality
divisions and stresses of all sorts, we know that we are better off than
the great, overwhelming majority of our brothers and sisters on this planet;
we are relieved that we landed in this cabbage patch and not another; we
are comfortable renewing charitable efforts to others – in the next seat or the next continent. As Christians, we know we are not alone – at
the table or in the world.
Catholics can thank God for the
good work being done by laity, bishops and priests in the work of repairing
our Church; we can mourn continuing recalcitrance in this work on the part
of some; and through it all, we can know again that we are not alone – at the table or in the world. The surety of c/Companionship on a shared journey is present among the poorest of the poor believers – (Read Katie LeBlanc’s reflection in this issue – “Jesus – In the Mud, too” and Steve Sheehan’s Managua Journal on our web site.). And yet the assurance of God’s presence is a struggle for many who seem to “have
it all.”
One evening, a friend was leaving
a dinner gathering in Boston. She had parked in a garage about four blocks
away. Several guests jumped up to walk her to her car. She laughed everyone
away from her when she heard the answer to “Why would you be walking me to my car?”: “You just shouldn’t be out walking alone at this hour.” I was struck by her answer because it was delivered without skipping a beat, “I am never alone.” And
off she went (arriving home safely).
Here was an adult who hasn’t felt alone since the day she first met her faith face to Face. If you’re like me, you’re still working at it. It comes as a kind of surprise – that “Aha!” moment,
as Edwina Gately says.
Voice of the Faithful wishes all
of our readers many such moments of light as we share in our many ways Thanksgiving – again
and again. PLT
|
