There seems to be so much chaos surrounding our lives during these tumultuous times.
The world situation is far from peaceful and productive: Christians are being persecuted in the Middle East; there is continued poverty in many African nations; we see unrest in Europe and certainly so much tension and anxiety in our own country as we face crises in immigration, mass shootings, and constant political turmoil.
Things in the Church are chaotic as well, not only within Catholicism, but in the recent disagreements between various elements of the Orthodox churches and locally in some Protestant churches.
As we approach Thanksgiving Day, we might be tempted to think that there is so little to be thankful for! This is so far from the reality, however, since in all of the difficulties we experience around us, there is also an abiding presence of God’s grace.
It is this grace that enables us to bear our crosses; His grace that brings inner peace despite the storms around us; His grace that is mediated through those who love us and support us; His grace that works through us to love and support others.
For all this we are extremely thankful and we gather to celebrate this wonderful presence of God in our midst with family and friends. We celebrate with festive meals and prayerful intentions with so many of our brothers and sisters who also are very much filled with gratitude.
We can focus on the difficulties — or we can see beyond them to embrace the goodness of the Creator.
God be praised! A blessed Thanksgiving to all.
In His Peace,
Most Rev. Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop of Charleston
