From the Friars: Jersey Thanksgiving

My memories of Thanksgiving Day are mostly a blur of pleasant but similar experiences, but one does stand out. The day before Thanksgiving in 1985 I drove from my initial Navy training in Newport, RI to my first assignment at a base in Colt’s Neck, NJ. I stopped at a rest area on the New Jersey Turnpike to check that my uniform was inspection ready. They had drilled into us to report for duty “squared away.” I arrived just in time to meet my new boss, who was very laid back and did not seem too concerned if my brass was polished or my shoes spit-shined, much to my relief.

I politely declined an invitation to spend Thanksgiving with the Commander and his wife, sensing it would be awkward for them. I ended up alone at one of those famous Jersey diners for my holiday dinner. The blue-plate special was turkey with the works of course. Calling my family in Michigan, I enjoyed everyone’s sympathy for being by myself on Thanksgiving, indulging in a bit of self-pity.

All of this came to mind while reading about the thousands of immigrants in shelters around the country. Far from home and loved ones, they will probably eat a donated turkey dinner this Thursday in a gymnasium or warehouse somewhere with so many others who are sleeping on floors and streets. Likewise, we can remember the thousands who have suffered the loss of their homes, or worse, in the wars and violence throughout the world. Dinner at a New Jersey diner doesn’t sound so bad in comparison.

I hope I remembered 38 years ago to thank God for His amazing generosity and goodness. Let us not forget to be grateful, nor the fact that we will be judged for how we use the gifts the Lord gives us, as the gospel reminds us today. Especially by putting our talents and resources at the service of those in need will we be assured of hearing those beautiful words: “well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

–Fr. Peter