Lofty thought

Dear Mike:
In two weeks we will be celebrating Thanksgiving in our country.
Families and friends will gather to share an attitude of gratitude for each other and for all we are so fortunate to enjoy.
Meanwhile, thousands of people in Africa continue to suffer and die from Ebola. Daily newscasts report rising numbers of people afflicted, more medical people attempting to help, and more monies needed for supplies.
With all this in mind, feasting on a sumptuous turkey dinner holds less appeal for me than it once did.
What can we do? That is up to each one personally to decide, but here’s one idea that could be tried in a communal setting.
What if, on Thanksgiving weekend, all the churches in the area made it known to their parishioners that 100 percent of the church offerings at the Oct. 4-6 services would be given to assist in stopping this rampant disease?
What if the faith we profess was put into action at this level—trusting that the offerings at the other three weekends in October adequately will cover parish expenses of each church.
For those churches that have “powers that be” to answer to, why not offer the same challenge to them?
I admit it’s a lofty thought—but not an impossible dream.
If we are to continue to use phrases like “my brothers and sisters” in our religious celebrations, I think it’s time to start recognizing and treating each other as such.
Gratefully,
Jacklynne
Faragher-Guimond
Fort Frances, Ont.