Thanksgiving

Throughout the year, I attend some inspiring Masses, not only at Holy Infant, but in my travels as well. Among my favorites within Holy Infant is the Mass celebrated on Thanksgiving Day. It is so special to me and my family that we delay our holiday travels as not to miss this exceptional occasion. As with Sundays and holy days of obligation, multiple Masses are scheduled. But Thanksgiving never falls on Sunday nor is it a holy day. Only one Mass is designated on Thursday.

Morning sun illuminates Holy Infant’s signature stained glass scattering rays filling the sanctuary. Our parish family and welcomed guests and relatives pack the pews to standing room only … and beneath wooden benches, for a short time, we stow away the gifts we carry.

Home

I love music. Always have. There is something primal, in my inner being that is moved by song. Imagine an epic film without the emotionally charged sound track. That old classic you start belting out in the car with the whole family. The love song that takes you back to a special summer night. I sometimes wonder why it is that we, collectively as humans, have such a connection with music. Science will tell you that it is simply sound waves at various pitches and frequencies, but your heart will tell you it is something much more than that.

There are very few things that we as a species can agree on. We have different cultures, different beliefs, different political systems, and different appearances. However, in some basic ways beyond our biology, we are all the same. These common traits, that stay a part of us throughout history, regardless of circumstance or worldly influence, are part of a design. A well constructed masterpiece from a grand architect.

Facing the Giants

I think the scene above is a metaphor for our spiritual walk.  Let me explain:

We are all part of God’s team but, like the boys on the team in the scene, we are not really giving it our best all of the time.   We fall prey to distraction, to fear, to peer pressure, to comfort - we know it takes work, and sacrifice, and focus and effort to give our best.  We like to stay in our nice little comfort zones and not ruffle any feathers.  We complain and resist when we are asked to do the littlest of tasks that might cause us discomfort - maybe not outwardly, but it is in our hearts -   and then we do the task half-hearted and only for as short a time as possible - like the boys in the movie when they first where asked to do the death-crawl.  This is not really our best, but it is what everyone else is doing, and it gives us the false confidence that we are accomplishing what is being asked of us.  We are meeting the standards to be part of the team, so why give any more?