With Thanksgiving Day coming up, and given the social climate in our country, I am moved to reflect on the connection between love and criticism.
Thanksgiving
As the “heavy lifting arm” of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Parish in McKinney — called upon to paint, move, and build, and to otherwise shoulder projects for the church community — the St. Gabriel Men’s Club has put its brawn to the service of the parish’s Turkey Basket Program for the past 25 years.
As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, my heart is filled with gratitude for you. Throughout this past year, as I have traveled across our beloved Diocese of Dallas and encountered so many wonderful parishioners who cherish their Catholic faith, I am continually reminded of the countless blessings God has bestowed upon us.
One of the most anticipated holidays in America is Thanksgiving. The fourth Thursday of November every year (and its accompanying weekend) is eagerly anticipated, not only because it is a holiday set aside for a day called Thanksgiving Day, but also because it gives the opportunity for many people to rest and be with family or friends for a long weekend.
The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us. It is a time in our nation when people of all faiths pause to express their gratitude and appreciation for God’s abundant gifts. As we give sincere thanks to God our Father for our many blessings, we also extend care and compassion to many of our neighbors who are hungry, homeless, sick, suffering from mental health, lonely, or struggling with life’s burdens. Let us pray for those in need and continue to work together to make a positive difference in their lives.