My Catholic Inheritance: A Thanksgiving

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Post on Nov 28, 2024

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My Catholic Inheritance: A Thanksgiving Unlike Any Other

Thanksgiving. For many, it's turkey, football, and family. For me, it's all that plus a hefty dose of Catholic guilt... and surprising grace. This year, my Thanksgiving wasn't just about stuffing my face; it was about stuffing my heart with a newfound appreciation for my heritage.

The Weight of Tradition

Growing up Catholic, Thanksgiving felt… different. Not bad, necessarily, just… different. Instead of focusing solely on the abundance of the harvest, there was always this undercurrent of penance, of remembering those less fortunate. It wasn't a bad thing, but honestly, as a kid, it kinda bummed me out. All the other kids were just stoked about presents and football. I was wrestling with the concept of "almsgiving" while battling my cousins for the last piece of pie. Talk about a mixed bag!

The Guilt Trip (and the Grace)

This year, things were... well, different again. My grandma, the matriarch of our family, the keeper of the Catholic flame, passed away earlier this year. This Thanksgiving, her absence was palpable. The silence at the dinner table felt heavier than usual, filled with unspoken prayers and memories. I'm not going to lie, there were tears. Lots of them. But amidst the sadness, something shifted.

A Legacy of Faith (and Food!)

As I sat there, surrounded by family and the aroma of roasted turkey and all the fixings, I realized something. Grandma's Catholic traditions, while sometimes strict, weren't just rules. They were a legacy. They were a way of life that emphasized community, gratitude, and generosity. Giving thanks wasn't just a holiday; it was a daily practice. The guilt I had felt as a child was replaced by a deep understanding of her deep faith and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. It was profound, you know? Like, a true "aha!" moment.

More Than Just Mass

It wasn't just about attending Mass every Sunday (although that was a big part of it!). It was about the quiet prayers before meals, the acts of kindness towards others, the emphasis on family unity. These were the real gifts, the lasting legacy, the true essence of my Catholic upbringing. The traditions that had once felt like restrictions became expressions of love and faith.

A New Perspective

This Thanksgiving, I felt immensely grateful. Grateful for my family, for the memories, for the lessons learned, and for the unexpected grace found in grief. It's made me look at my faith, at my family's traditions, with a whole new set of eyes. It wasn't just about following rules; it was about embracing a rich and meaningful heritage, one that I'm now incredibly proud to carry forward. This year's Thanksgiving was a true blessing, a testament to the enduring power of faith, family, and the unexpected grace that can blossom even from sadness. It’s something I won't soon forget.

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