Thanksgiving Day has its roots in the traditions of the Protestant order in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. This celebration also has aspects of a festival dedicated to the harvest.

In English tradition, thanksgiving and religious services of thanksgiving to God became important during the Anglican Reformation, during the reign of Henry VIII, in the years after 1533. This was in reaction to the large number inherited from religious festivities of the Catholic calendar. According to the data, before 1536 there were 95 holidays, added to 52 Sundays, on which people had to go to church and, logically, give up their work on that day. The reaction of certain fundamentalist groups, such as the Puritans, Calvinists at heart, wanted to completely eliminate all religious festivities, including festivities as important as Christmas and Easter.

Thanksgiving is normally celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. This year it would be November 24. It is a day to thank God for the blessings of the year, such as: family, friends, health and prosperity.

Typically, families come together for a special meal, which often includes the famous turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and the famous pumpkin pie, if we think about North America. But if we adapt this party to our Latin American environment, the menu could surely be different, for example: A good rice with chicken, a potato salad, a good plate of tempting bananas, accompanied by a good drink of chicha from Zaril, Chicheme, or a wine or a beer, among other drinks that warm the heart, as much as the prices of this current crisis allow it.

We must also point out a reality: over the years, there have been changes in the tradition of Thanksgiving Day. For example, in the 19th century, Thanksgiving became a federal holiday, particularly in the United States. In the 20th century, the celebration became a more commercial holiday, with more emphasis on food and gift-giving among those sharing the same table. In Latin America and due to the influence of the Anglo-Saxon and English-speaking Caribbean population, Thanksgiving Day or “Thanksgiving” has been promoted among Protestant churches such as Anglican, Methodist, Union Church, the Baptists, among others. Except for foreign societies such as the American or Canadian or English West Indies, which is usually practiced in their traditions.

Yet in a world that is no longer ours and is intentionally globalizing, Thanksgiving is already an important celebration across the continent. It is a day to thank God for all the blessings of the year and to spend time with family and friends sitting around the table.

In these times of need and great anguish for the most vulnerable for many reasons, it is a celebration to invite, as our Lord Jesus Christ did, those who urgently need to be welcomed, accepted, with love, respect and dignity, helping to build more inclusive communities.

In this sense, we must imitate our Lord on this Christian holiday, as when he sat down to eat with him in the house of Levi, revealing his liberating message to him, according to Matthew 9:9-13. Jesus is invited to the home of Zacchaeus, a publican, which provokes the indignation of the people. However, this interaction leads to Zacchaeus’ transformation and his commitment to correct his actions.

Or as when he dined with Simon the Pharisee, according to Luke 7:36-50. Simon, a Pharisee, where a sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume and tears, showing an unprecedented act of love and devotion. As also the Last Supper in the house of Zacchaeus recounted by Saint Luke 19: 1-10. Zacchaeus, publican, which provokes the indignation of the people. However, this interaction leads to Zacchaeus’ transformation and his commitment to correct his actions.

And what can we say about this Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples, where he instituted the sacrament of the “Eucharist” which means “thanksgiving” and the sacrament of Orders, according to our reading of Saint Mark 14 , 12- 26. Jesus shares this Last Supper with his disciples, formally instituting the Lord’s Supper and announcing his death and resurrection. This event is fundamental in the Christian faith and represents spiritual communion and unity among believers.

Jesus, dear readers, used these panel discussions as an opportunity to promote inclusion, demonstrate love and compassion, challenge established norms, and build meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. His inclusive approach and message of love have been and will be a model for those of us who follow the Christian faith throughout the centuries.

Invite on this “Thanksgiving” or “Thanksgiving” day those who truly need not just a plate of food, but God’s love expressed through your acts of mercy.

Priest