Happy Thanksgiving!

On this day, which was first celebrated almost 400 years ago very near to where I am now, those who discovered that by God's providence they could survive in a land so far from their home, enduring great trials and hardship, gave thanks for all they had received. Their sojourn in this strange land was brought on by the closed-mindedness of the political states from whence they came. By establishing themselves here anew, they were able to exercise their assent to truth they held dear, and so found great peace in their new life.

Today, the political state that grew out of that first delegation once again stands firm against the assent to the truth we hold dear, and is a source of great strife in our day. Let us give thanks for the grace of God, by which we are sustained and strengthened to be His voice of Truth. Let us give thanks for His goodness, which has not allowed the state to degrade to that point at which those who speak the truth are mercilessly slaughtered for their profession. And let us give thanks for those glimmers of hope as are found "on the mouths of children and of babes" that are visible signs of His goodness and impel us to rise to fight another day, to "run the race" and "finish the course."

In a world marked by disunity among Christians, who have such direct access to the Truth Who made us and Who sustains us, let us stand together to give thanks for our Savior, and to enter into the season of commemoration and preparation. As he came humbly so many centuries ago, let us manifest His Word and grace in our daily actions, showing forth charity in humility to a world that desperately needs such an example. And let all who follow Christ stand united in the fullness of His revelation, bringing new life to the world by our conversion to Him and drawing those who do not yet know of His Love to the fullness of grace.

Finally, let us offer our thanks to our Mother, by whose consent and submission to the Divine Will brought into the world the Word made Flesh, so that by His Cross and Resurrection, we might be set free. Let us aspire to her fidelity and beg of her the outpouring of grace she may obtain for us from Her Son. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the Promises of Christ.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love the Immaculata!
Mariam cogita, Mariam invoca