I'm stirred profoundly in the heart on this Thanksgiving Day because there's so much about this celebration that touches what is most valuable. As I read the words of President Washington's and President Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamations, I notice a major theme of language that calls the people of the USA to recognize the goodness and blessings around us.
I think about all my travels this year, and how I've been able to connect in new ways with this wonderful country, especially while onboard Amtrak. One place I went for the first time was Boston, in a region that has contributed so much to the story of the USA, particularly with the way that the colony of Plymouth has figured so prominently into the narrative of the Thanksgiving celebration.
Yet there was a Thanksgiving celebration that happened on these shores long before 1620. When Spanish settlers founded St. Augustine, Florida, the first permanent European settlement in North America, they celebrated Mass. At its heart is the Eucharist from a Greek word for Thanksgiving. In that light, I see strong spiritual overtones in this holiday that is a regular part of my life. Every time I attend Mass, I think of what I'm thankful for and use it as an opportunity to offer those thanksgivings to God, to uplift my spirits in all circumstances.
One person who helped foster devotion to the Eucharist was St. Carlo Acutis. He was so devout, going to Mass on a daily basis. He even created a website showcasing Eucharistic miracles throughout the world. It was a joyful day when he was canonized on September 7. His story resonates so much with me for many reasons, including that we were born in the same calendar year.
In recent years, I've felt drawn to and embraced the power of what is uplifting. One great recent example was this past Friday morning. I woke up feeling tired, and then I saw an email from Relevant Radio about the upcoming live audience with Pope Leo XIV at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, which was livestreamed.
As I tuned in, I felt so uplifted hearing this conversation between 5 teens selected for the honor of asking Pope Leo XIV a question and the wonderful insights Pope Leo offered them, which spoke to me. And I thought of what an honor it was for those teens to have such an incredible opportunity with the first US-born Pope.
God is truly alive, at work to bring us Abundant Life in all our circumstances. So all the time, we constantly have reason to give thanks.
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