They Say the Neon Lights Are Bright

Thanksgiving in NYC is a tradition in my life. Having worked for the church more than two decades, it's a secular holiday—which means I can take a Sunday off—and I've exercised that privelege often over the years. Before my family, most trips to Manhattan for that beautiful weekend of gratitude were spent with my dear friend Rocky La Fleur who passed unexpectedly this year (see Witness ed. Mar. 19). And this past weekend, we preserved the tradition: packing it in over four days and four nights: four broadway shows, the statue of liberty, ice-skating in central park, three museums, catching up with Miss Nuzz, and tackling Leland's checklist of all the locations in Home Alone 2, Lost in New York. Not to mention: food, glorious food.

The morning after we landed, Stephen Sondheim died. I couldn't be more honoured to be in his city and sit in a theatre adorned with his name to celebrate and commemorate the master of musical theater. At the feet of Lady Liberty, Leland recited (begrudgingly) the Emma Lazarus poem, The New Colossus and all I could think was her words referring to all of us through this pandemic: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..." Oh, but here comes omicron.

And of course, the 10:30 p.m. (EST) call that Fr. Dave had journeyed to our God—may he rest in eternal peace.

So many lights have grown dim, and so many have been extinguished. Yet Advent reminds us to "awaken to new light"—the promise, hope, and mercy of a saviour that brings the lion and the lamb to lie down together. This time of mourning can be where St. Monica finds strength: to comfort each other and come together in communion and thanksgiving—Eucharist.

This season has many opportunities to serve others, support those in need, and sustain the faith. Each one of us are the lights that keep St. Monica shining bright. Rocky, Sondheim, and Fr. Dave have given me the most generous and profound gifts I never deserved. May we all be inspired by their example as we welcome Emmanuel—God with us.