Most likely if you’re reading these words you probably weren’t standing in line at some pre-dawn hour hoping to score a great deal on what is now called, “Black Friday” but if you were I’m impressed!
Now don’t get me wrong, though I’ve never joined in the actual going to physical stores, I have done the online version and so with that in mind, it’s caused me to do some soul-searching about: what’s going on and what can we learn from it.
As I’ve watched the news and seen families and groups of friends talk about their strategies, bonding time, and even calling it a tradition, it’s made me wonder if these efforts and gains could be transferred to other areas of our lives.
In some countries people walk many miles to attend Mass; for some it means going out in bad weather, walking on rough trails and helping those who have trouble walking make the journey.
Closer to most people’s experience in the U.S., I see adult sons and daughters with their older parents, some in wheelchairs, knowing that they both got up early and with effort made their way to church for Mass or a Novena, etc.
I also see people, again some not young, collecting and providing St. Vincent de Paul clothing and food for our brothers and sisters in need.
I see generous and compassionate laypeople, religious, and clergy who give extra-time to counsel and support people with marital problems, substance abuse struggles, health challenges, and sadness over the loss of a loved one to name a few areas.
While it’s true that less than two weeks from Advent the commercial world will only ramp up its efforts, it’s equally true that today and all the way through the Christmas Season, we are blessed with the chance to invest our energy, time, and gifts in the living as Christ calls us to live: with our whole heart, soul, mind, and body in way that Glorifies God by our caring the greatest needs of our families, friends, and neighbors … something that we are truly capable of with God’s plentiful grace and even a fraction of what we see done for the gift on this day after Thanksgiving Day.
May God bless you and your loved ones,
Father Dave Marcham