28 November 2019

Joseph Mcdaniel on Breadcrumbs at Thanksgiving

"Tonight, millions of Thanksgiving dinners will be shared at tables across the country.

"The usual staples of turkey, stuffing, cranberry dressing, and mashed potatoes will be served, along with the exchange of laughter, memories from good times past, and dreams for the future.

"But not all of our Thanksgiving dinners will be like those so idyllically portrayed on magazine covers. There may be the simmering of tension between family members who have decided to call a truce for one evening. There may be the empty chair of a loved one lost or estranged. Or the experiment with deep fried turkey may have left a dry taste in everyone’s mouth.

"When we come to table with each other, we bring ourselves as we are. Sure, we may feel required to wear the face of social decorum, but whatever is beneath will eventually reveal itself; if not at this dinner, then at the next: our joys and hopes, along with our griefs and anxieties. We place upon the table those dishes we have prepared well, with the sweet flavor of love and devotion, and also those we have prepared hastily or poorly, perhaps with a tinge of dryness or bitterness."

In a recent commentary, Joseph McDaniel, OSFS, reflected on importance of bringing "those pieces of our heart that connect us with all the people we have met and places we have been, those loves which may be fresh like a newly baked loaf or stale like those left on the shelf" and offering them together - giving thanks for what has been, and saying yes to what shall be, "in remembrance of the God who is with us, now and always."

To access Mr. McDaniel’s complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Breadcrumbs (28 NOV 19)

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