Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The most traditional representation of Thanksgiving shows the Pilgrims and the Native Americans eating together. This was not the pilgrims' nor the Indians' first celebration of Thanksgiving. The pilgrims had come from a land where they had a tradition of a harvest thanksgiving in every parish and village. The Indians had their own harvest festivals in their own culture. However, I think there are at least two unique things.
For the first time, they gave thanks together, these people from very different cultures and beliefs. Despite their differences, there was mutual recognition of their dependency on God and recognition of their blessings. Secondly, these pilgrims are celebrating an ancient festival in the New World. It was truly a new world, for their lives had changed, as indeed had the lives of the Indians.
Historians wonder how the early pilgrims survived and they had neither the knowledge nor skills to do so. Indeed, many died. Those who did survive and thrive did so only with the assistance of the natives, the Indians. That's a lesson for us. We know even today, we can thrive only in unity, not in division.
When families gather this year, it will be with some fear and hope. Some are terrified of preparing such a meal, and others are worried that Uncle Albert will start talking politics or the relatives will squabble. Yet there is hope; we hope that as we gather and share a meal and give thanks, it will be a time of grace. That we will recognize what we have in common, our human longing, our love for family, that gratitude is the secret ingredient for happiness. A recognition that because someone is different, they don't have to be the enemy!
Coming from Ireland, people ask me important cultural questions, such as does the Guinness really taste better over there? (yes, it does!) or what are the real ingredients for Irish stew? Well, the secret ingredient for Irish stew is whatever you have at hand. It changes from district to district and generation to generation, but it works. It's wholesome and delicious.
In America, we have our own version of Irish stew called the melting pot. It has changed over the years. Indeed, it keeps changing and evolving, it has new spices and flavors and new ingredients, but it's just as wholesome. Now I love Irish stew. I was raised on it, but I've got a taste for this melting pot. As one
ingredient to another, thanks for gathering, Happy Thanksgiving!
With Love and Blessings,
Fr Damian