This coming week we celebrate the national holiday of Thanksgiving. We all know the story of the pilgrims who came to the continent ill prepared and were saved by the generous help of the Indians. (The interpreter was a Catholic Indian by the way.) In response, after their first successful harvest, they threw a big thanksgiving party, settlers, and Indians. If only that spirit of generosity and grace had continued, American history might have been very different as regards the Native Americans. But that said, it is a good national tradition to give thanks. Generosity and thankfulness go hand in hand. You see it isn’t receiving that causes us to be thankful, it is giving. This is why we frequently see those who receive the most “free” benefits, are also the most ungrateful and demanding of more. The “giver” understands and appreciates the “cost” of the gift. So, when they receive a gift, they are thankful. They understand that the gift is only free to the recipient. What is fascinating is the grace that comes with a gift received is appreciated and treasured by those who have also been givers. In our still great nation, we are the recipient of so many gifts that we tend to take for granted. It is heart breaking to listen to so many in media, academia, and Hollywood rant about what a terrible, racist, bigoted, and stingy group of people Americans are. All one needs to do is look south. Literally millions of people pouring across the border, (illegally), leaving their homes, risking robbery, rape, and loss of life to come to this “terrible” (sarcasm) nation. Everyone still wants to come to America. There are still many very good reasons. As of yet, we still have freedom and tremendous opportunities. We are all obligated to pray and thank God for our nation. And remember, the proper name of the Mass in English is “The Great Thanksgiving,” otherwise called the “Eucharist.” God bless America! The Lord be with you. Fr. Sid.