I am Mexican, so this feast is a novelty for me. When I was growing up the only thing I knew about this holiday was: pumpkins, turkey and weird people in funny costumes (no offense to pilgrims intended!). I didn’t get the point of this celebration. But after living almost 12 years in this beautiful country, I’ve come to understand a little more about Thanksgiving: family, turkey, harvest, pilgrims, Indians, unity, get together…don’t worry, I did learn a few more things let me share:
Family: “The family has a special role to play throughout the life of its members, from birth to death. It is truly “the sanctuary of life””. (JPII) Let’s pray for all our families, and really learn to appreciate them.
Turkey = Food: We are so blessed that we have our plates full, day in and day out. Let’s share that blessing with someone else. Invite someone to dinner, feed the homeless…store some granola bars in the glove compartment of your car just in case you find someone in need of them.
Harvest: Let’s take a few minutes to give thanks for all those things that we “harvest,” in our hearts, in our work, in our relationships, with ourselves. What is my contribution to the family this Thanksgiving?
Pilgrims = Passing by: Let’s not forget that this life is just a “stop” before eternity; don’t forget to be well prepared for heaven and to strive to get there; don’t take the wrong turn.
Get together = AS ONE family: Let’s give real and sincere THANKS from the bottom of our hearts for the many blessings that our heavily Father has granted us this year.
I hope I’m not so off in my understanding of this beautiful American holiday: THANKSGIVING after all is a word of ACTION. Let us unite and give thanks!
