In 1598, a Spanish expedition crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico and encamped to the south of present day El Paso, Texas. On April 30, a Mass of Thanksgiving was said, and the leader of the expedition. Don Juan de Oñate, took possession of the territory (then called New Mexico) in the name of the "Heavenly Lord, God Almighty, and the earthly Lord King Philip II" and then, after Mass, the Franciscan priests accompanying the expedition blessed the tables abundant with fish, ducks and geese, and the soldiers and colonists feasted together. The celebration concluded with a play reenacting scenes of the native Indians learning of the Catholic Faith and receiving the Sacrament of Baptism.
So...enjoy your Turkey this Thursday but perhaps you can celebrate again on April 30th which just happens to be the anniversary of George Washington's inauguration as the First President of these United States of America!
In the constant attacks against Christianity in this country, a new one seems to be to call this holiday simply "Feast Day". My husband almost exploded when he saw that yesterday. Why is every religion protected in this country except Christianity? And Catholics and Jews are still persecuted in this country more than other religious group. I am thankful today to be an American and for the freedoms we hold so dearly in this country. Jesus wants us to show his love to others by how we act and treat each other. May we remember this today and as we enter the Advent season.
ReplyDelete"Oh God, be gracious and bless us
and let your face shed it's light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
and all nations learn your saving help.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
Let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and exult
For you rule the world with justice.
With fairness you rule the peoples,
you guide the nations on earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
Let all the peoples praise you.
The earth has yielded it's fruit
for God, our God, has blessed us.
May God still give us his blessing
till the ends of the earth revere him."
Psalm 67