We are rapidly approaching the "season of shopping." It would be more comforting to me, as a pastor, to say that the bulk of the Western world was approaching the season of gratitude, thanksgiving, Advent and joy; but the truth is, most people will fixate on an overindulgence of consumerism from now until Christmas.
So many will pollute the holiday of Thanksgiving with shopping, and Black Friday is a holiday of mammon, not of God. Advent will not be spent, by many, in joyful preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ, but as a rush to buy too many things, go to too many events, and collapse in exhaustion as soon as Christmas comes.
I urge you, Brothers and Sisters, to slow down this holiday season. Let Thanksgiving be about gratitude and giving thanks to our Lord for all of our blessings. Let Advent be about celebrating the coming Nativity, making memories with loved ones, and concern for the least of these. Could we all slow down a little more and give a little more?
So many won't be in the festive spirit as they face hunger, cold, homelessness or loneliness. Can you make it a gift to Christ, in these upcoming weeks, to give a little more to charity? Can you volunteer at a meal to feed the hungry? Or to give time to the lonely? You can help make this season more joyous for others in the name of Jesus; which will make the season more meaningful to you.
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler
Fr. Charles Butler
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