Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Grace



Some fool just published an opinion-piece in the Washington Post, suggesting that it was time to “put a fork in” the Thanksgiving tradition of pardoning some turkeys;  saying the tradition was “silly”.

First of all - “tradition” and “silly”  -- schliesen sich aus -- anything traditional, is  in so far  redeemed.
True, the ceremony is typically light-hearted (something we sorely need, about now), much like the Groundhog Day enactment with Punxsutawney Phil.  Such things need no defense;  cf. Chesterton on Christmas, passim.

Yet the need goes deeper, deeper, to have this act of Grace.
For that same huge hand, that shaped our sire, and fashioned our dam -- even Adam, and e’en Eve -- did mould the Humble Woodchuck and his kin.
That we are permitted to eat of these creatures,  we know for certain, from Scripture;  but that fact is a kind of moral miracle.  So it behoves us to take note, and sanctify, and solemnify, this fleshly sacrifice.  (Indeed, it may go deeper than we can know.)  To pardon -- nay, to ask permission -- to beg forgiveness -- of these modest beasts, is meet;  nay more, incumbent on us.

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