Pastoral Message from the November Beacon
11/01/2020
Dear Faithful and Friends of the Assumption,
The month of November is upon us; and for most, it is defined by the American Feastday of Thanksgiving. Most of us have vivid memories (and expectations) of this wonderful family holiday. The food, fellowship, and family...the Macy’s Day Parade, National Dog Show, and football...and, of course, great feelings of gratitude, contentment, and respite. But, what about 2020? Is Covid going to impact that to which we have become accustomed?
The short answer is: “probably.” There will probably be less people around the table...which means less food (probably)...Santa is not going to be at the Macy’s Day Parade, the National Dog Show has been postponed...and, there is no college football being played. The Thanksgiving “routine” will be altered for most.
The good thing is...no, the great thing is, that we have a tremendous amount to be thankful for; Thanksgiving is still a national day of respite; and we must be content. As the world struggles, we are continually blessed. All it takes to experience those iconic Thanksgiving Day feelings is to think about all that God has given us. I don’t mean in a general sense, but the specifics: Are our families healthy? Are we in need of anything for our sustenance? Are we safe? Have we maintained our income? What blessings has He bestowed on us during this period? The answers to these questions can help but create gratitude and contentment. It is when we focus on the hardship, or for most of us, inconveniences, that we become anxious.
I know that Thanksgiving is a very special day—it is for me too. I also know that God had given me more than I deserve and that His blessings more than dwarf the hardship that I have had to endure. I would believe that this is the case for most of us.
As we reflect on this upcoming Thanksgiving, let us remember all our blessings and maybe, just maybe, this Thanksgiving may become one of true communion with the One from whom all good things flow.
God Bless each one of you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Fr. Jon