In 2010, I received an invitation to join a family for dinner on Canada Day and as I drove to their home on a very hot day, I was wondering what kind of barbecued meat would be waiting for me. When I arrived and stepped into the dining room I was greeted with a huge roasted turkey surrounded by gravy bowls, cranberry jelly, mashed potatoes, stuffing, brussel sprouts, buttered carrots, and three large pumpkin pies.
At first I was confused but then I realized what was going on. My hosts had invited me as their parish priest, along with a few other members of my church because we had sponsored members of our host family who were refugees from Burma. Before we ate, the eldest son and daughter translated what their mother and father were saying in the Karen language. This family was expressing their gratitude for having their family safely reunited in Canada and wanted to thank us for our part in helping them rebuild their lives in Canada.
This family did not google what to barbecue for Canada Day, but had googled what to prepare for giving thanks, and so for the first time in my life, I ate the most unconventional, but most meaningful meal I’ve ever had to celebrate the blessing that Canada is for me and so many people who call Canada home.
This year, as you think about how to celebrate Canada Day, I invite you to think about how your food and activities can express what Canada means to you. May the food you share, the activities you do, and the people with whom you celebrate, make meaningful memories for you and those you love.
Happy Canada Day!
By: Capt Michael McGee
