The Good Old Days Can Still Teach Us Today.

Growing up in my parish, I took my turn as altar server. The seven o’clock Mass seemed more like three AM crowded with elderly Italian women. They always arrived early to recite the rosary before Mass. Filomena was one endearing voice I remember. She prayed with the shrillest voice and swiftest pace, aware of neither.

Along with the other immigrants, Filomena felt grateful and blessed by God to be in America. Her flamboyant praying and singing simply expressed her gratefulness for the joys and blessings she felt in her heart.

Filomena wanted God to know how she cherished her newly found home in America: her different friends, her lively family, her happiness with her faith, and everything else that needed an abundance of gratitude. Filomena and her friends unabashedly and spontaneously echoed these items every morning in melodious mantras and appreciative hearts.

Filomena and her friends prayed because they felt special. America is now their priceless treasure and they humbly had to tell God. Recently, while watching a World War II documentary, I glipsed how Americans both rich and not rich sacrificed much to help that war effort.

Families gladly rationed food, everything from butter to eggs, and forfeited needed vegetables so our troops fighting abroad didn’t go hungry. My grandfather joined millions of Americans raising backyard “victory” gardens so that our fighting forces ate well.

Students also joined helping other Americans, selling war bonds to build tanks and weapons. Joining the mighty “Rosie the Riveters” women left their homes to work daily to keep the economy going. Americans everywhere found ways to keep America sound, safe, and running.

In those days, American opinion coalesced around one purpose – America’s victory. Participation then was a duty and honor to get through this moment and return America to normalcy. How we need this attitude today, keeping America free and safe during this demanding present moment.

For whatever reasons, Americans today must remember that a shining common purpose overshadows individual needs and wants. Didn’t Jesus come to save everyone equally, without shutting any one out?

As we move closer to Thanksgiving, we remember what Jesus offered us all – the gift of eternal life. He did this without counting the cost just as many men and woman died to keep our nation free for all people without counting the cost.

As we celebrate this Thanksgiving Day, like Filomena, we may want to remember what really makes America great – everyone sharing what is right and good. Together that spells GREATNESS!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!