The Giving in Thanksgiving

As we begin this week of Thanksgiving, I am asking myself about the giving part of Thanksgiving.  I remember making hands in kindergarten that were meant to represent our giving. Last Sunday we watched as a poor widow gave out of her sustenance to comply with church obligations.  I believe Jesus was calling our attention to this offering in order to point to unjust ecclesial practices; not to indicate the obvious of an old woman’s holiness.  Today, we hear Saint Paul remind us that the only true sacrifice is the one Jesus makes; a total gift of self.

As Dominicans, we must constantly ask ourselves if the giving of our lives is allowing us to be truly transformed.  How are we being changed, stretched, made whole (read holy)?  Does my ministry happen from that inner space of abandonment?  Does my study lead me to a greater understanding of the other?  How is my prayer touching into my deepest longings? 

Gratefully, we are not alone in this striving of ours.  We have each other to lean upon and we come from a LONG line of women and men who pave the way for us.  During the month of November, on November 10^th, we celebrate the feast of all the deceased sisters and brothers of the Order of Preachers.  I love this day because in our remembering of these faithful women and men we are also remembering our vocation to bring to life God’s word.  They were not all saints or even famous, but they all tried.  And, at the end of the day, is that not the best question of all – did I try today?

So, how’s the giving in Thanksgiving going for you?     

Peggy Ryan, OP

Whitefish Bay, WI