Thanksgiving Day Approaches

My Grand Nieces and Nephews – Thanksgiving 2008

In 1975, while attending a three month Ministry Course in Dublin, Ireland, I lived through a Thanksgiving Day away from our country.  With the exception of Canada, no country in the world has such a national day of thanks as we have in our United States.  We Americans in the Ministry Course went to a local hotel where the management had prepared a turkey dinner.  However, something was missing because Thanksgiving Day calls for family gatherings and national spirit.  Away from our families, with no one else in the bustling city of Dublin celebrating, we gloomily ate our turkey with little festive spirit.

Thanksgiving Day this year falls on Thursday, November 22.  We face the danger that this day will lose its original meaning and simply become a time of unending football games.  God has blessed our Land far beyond the dreams of the early founding fathers.  We have food, freedom to worship God, protection from aggression: truly a land of opportunity.

Plan ahead on how you will spend this important day of giving thanks to God.  Talk over with your family the possibility of going to morning Mass at your church.  Fill your church to overflowing and offer song and prayer to God.  Allow a spirit of thanks to fill our hearts as we approach this national holiday.  “Thank You” prayers make up the best acts of praise to Our Generous Creator.  Why keep this gratitude just for one day?  A grateful heart pleases the Lord.

Plan to surround your family dinner with music, candlelight, a spirit of love and thanks for each one present at the table.  Let no voice be raised in anger or exasperation to break the peace of this holy occasion.  After the meal, spend some time just sitting at the table enjoying each other’s presence and conversation.           

Fr. George Mc Kenna