For some this season of celebrations might seem rather void of joy. The nation’s economy.........
For some this season of celebrations might seem rather void of joy. The nation’s economy, the political morass and the international situation all seem to contribute to a hopeless sadness. These realities have been brought home to us by the unemployment of some, family members in harm’s way, and lack of societal support for our moral values. But because we look beyond the momentary to the eternal, the mundane to the spiritual, and the individual to the community we realize both that we have endured hardships before, and with God’s help we will overcome these. And this is the primary reason for a true spirit of thanksgiving.
History reminds us of the many people and circumstances which have been tested and proven victorious. Our own country was born because of the willingness of property owners, merchants, and laborers to leave their home and families and shiver in the cold of Valley Forge awaiting the wisdom of God and man to push them forward in the cause of liberty. Many, if not most, had doubts whether their sacrifices would matter. Nonetheless, they maintained the hope of freedom for the generations to come. We recall that Congress was split down the middle. Violence would break out almost daily in its halls and in the surrounding city. The bitterness of Washington, indeed, had infected the nation, as a whole. The President was excoriated by some, and hailed by others. Unfortunately, angry words soon turned into bloody swords. The very future of the nation became threatened. The death
of so many kept the Union intact. One Black Friday’s bargains would soon be forgotten in the wake of the island’s destruction on December 7. For the next four plus years millions of families would celebrate Thanksgiving Day fearful that they would never be together again. Those sentiments would be present years later as concerned relatives remembered their young in Korea, Vietnam, Kosovo, and now Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of our seniors can relate to us tales of financial ruin, job loss, and house foreclosure caused by the Great Depression. Since then so many have been dislocated by outsourcing, computerization, and recession. Our times will be forever colored by memories of the burning towers and a country under siege. Never did life seem so fragile.
But the present day is also built upon other experiences. So many of our ancestors came from foreign lands. They built our skyscrapers, plowed our fields, and guarded our cities. The church faced with the needs of people for the Gospel and Charity established religious orders that taught the young, healed the sick, and received the homeless. The darkest moments of the nation’s history gave birth to the heroism of its citizens. George Washington fought his war with the fortunes pledged by Charles Carroll of Carrolleton. General Pershing led troops ministered to by Father Francis Duffy. Fiorello LaGuardia welcomed an immigrant population served by Fr. Robert Stein and his colleagues.
Our times are the result of tragedies and triumphs. On this Thanksgiving Day we can celebrate because of the courage of those who have gone before us. What our children will appreciate in the future depends very much on our efforts. Will we imitate our predecessors and continue to dream dreams and create opportunities for a better tomorrow or will we surrender to our fears and give victory to the doomsayers both within and without our church and society. We can set the table for those yet to come.
This time is one of socialization as well as spiritual significance. To those of us who have much we should at least give a little. To those of us who have a little, we should give to those who have none. In these difficult days our local Food Bank is always seeking support. It is wonderful to acknowledge that a number of our parishioners volunteer at its location at the Methodist Church. Also seeking assistance at this time of year is Dutchess Outreach. And though their local residential program is in hiatus, Good Counsel Home is still reaching out to young mothers and their children. These courageous women who have stood for life deserve our support as they face very difficult circumstances. They require diapers, baby food, powder and other necessities. Of course, they too could use food stuffs as well as monetary gifts. If you wish, you can drop anything you can at the Rectory office. And I will see to it that it gets to the right place.
There are three spiritual celebrations which encourage our focus on the providential care of God. This Sunday, the Dutchess County Interfaith Council is conducting its annual Thanksgiving service at Vassar Temple at 7:00 p.m. Members of various religious traditions will express their gratitude in a form consistent with their faith. (I must say that the very existence of such a group and program is a major reason to give thanks. I can recall the day we could not even enter a non-Catholic house of worship. What a difference Blessed John XXIII caused in calling the Second Vatican Council.) On Tuesday, our parish will participate in our local ecumenical service. At 7:00p.m. we will gather at First Presbyterian Church next to the library. (You can park here and then walk over to the sanctuary). All congregations will participate. As has been the tradition donations for the food bank will be most appreciated. It is a great joy to be in a community where all leaders are in dialogue. Finally, what would Thanksgiving be without coming together for Mass at 9:00a.m. Our concelebrated liturgy will nourish us spiritually locating our gratitude in our relationship with the “giver of all good gifts.” As we did last year at the conclusion of Mass we will bless loaves of bread to be received by all attending the Mass. With each loaf comes a blessing to be recited as the bread is distributed during the family meal. I look forward to the opportunity of greeting you this week. Let us always gather together.
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian