Let’s restore our sense of calm this Thanksgiving in the midst of a world of darkness. Remember the words of St. John’s Gospel, “The light shines on in the darkness and the darkness will never overcome it.” Let’s look at the other side of every tragedy of 2017: famine, floods, fires, earthquakes, terrorism, wars and rumours of wars. In the face of each disaster, we see a great outpouring of love and self-sacrifice for which we owe a debt of gratitude.
For every hurricane disaster, we see daring people racing to the rescue even as they themselves are stricken. News reports show earthquake survivors digging frantically to assist those trapped beneath mountains of rubble. In record time, outside help arrives with equipment large and small as food arrives by the truckload. Waterbombers, risking their own safety, fly over vast forests, attempting to extinguish fires of unimaginable proportions. Everywhere, people share what they have to make a difference in the lives of those facing enormous loss. In all, countless acts of generosity and heroism abound.
In the face of today’s tragedies, there is powerful light in the darkness. As we gather for our annual Thanksgiving celebrations, let’s take time to pause and bow our heads, aware that in spite of the woes currently prevalent, we are people blessed with faith and resilience. We have countless opportunities to rise above ourselves and reach out in love to make a better world. It is love and thanksgiving that will keep us together.
Jean Moylan, CSJ
