Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
May you and your families have a joyful Thanksgiving. Be assured that I will offer up my Mass and prayers of the day for you.
It may seem strange to be speaking of joy in the midst of a world-wide pandemic. Those who have suffered the loss of loved ones, experienced sickness, or have been wounded by the financial impact are foremost in our minds and prayers. But we also must call to mind that the word Eucharist is of Greek origin, meaning thanksgiving. Our spiritual ancestors gave it this name because we are called to be first and foremost a people of gratitude before our God. We must rise above the cares, sadness, and challenges of the day to remember that we are greatly blessed. From this perspective it is entirely appropriate to anticipate joy tomorrow in our homes.
Like many, I will be physically alone on Thanksgiving Day but will enjoy messages and phone calls from a host of family and friends. Again, I pray the blessings and gratitude I feel in my heart will be found in yours as well.
May God bless you abundantly.
+Edward J. Weisenburger
Bishop of Tucson