Page 30 - November2026LifeInNaples

A Thankful Thanksgiving

Reverend Michael P. Orsi
The importance of my participation in this St. Matthew’s
or many years now, I’ve spent House function is made visible to me in so many ways. For
Thanksgiving serving the poor at St. example, once after the guests were served, I sat down with
FMatthew’s House. two gentlemen. I asked them their names. One said Moses, the
I first began going there out of a sense of other Elijah. I suddenly felt as though I had fed two prophets!
duty, feeling I needed to pay back the good The scales fell from my eyes. There was no question in my
things God had given me. As a prelude to the mind as to who benefits from this feeding ministry. Not just
feast, I would often innumerate in my mind them, but me as well. In fact, I’m the one who’s really blessed.
the blessings I’ve received: family, friends, As a priest, I’m hardly a rich man, though by the world’s
health, financial security. standards, I suppose I might be considered reasonably
I’d never taken these things for granted, but admittedly, I successful. But, as Mother Teresa said, “We are not called to
took them as signs of God’s favor upon me (prideful as that be successful. We are called to be faithful.” And in so many
may seem). Little did I realize that feeding the assembled guests unexpected ways I see faith in the faces of those I feed.
would yield blessings quite apart from any other rewards I’ve St. Matthew’s House takes its mission from the words of
enjoyed in life, and in a way, even exceeding those. Jesus in Matthew 25: 31-46 where he says that when we serve
I am always amazed at the graces I receive when serving the poor we serve him. He tells us that by doing so we will enter
the hungry, the homeless and the addicted who gather for the kingdom of heaven.
this holiday meal. As they enter the dining area I greet them Indeed, the poor are God’s greatest gift to us! They provide
with “Happy Thanksgiving” and “How are you today?” Their for us the key to the eternal Thanksgiving Feast of the Lord.
responses are heartfelt — words like: “And to you, Father. I’m
blessed!” Rev. Michael P. Orsi is senior advisor to Action for Life Florida
At first I thought, “How with so little, could they feel so and host of “A Conversation with Father Orsi,” a weekly television
satisfied?” Then, I recalled the words of Jesus, “Blessed are you series that delves into current events with a focus on sanctity of life
who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven” (Lk: 6:20) and issues. His writings appear in numerous publications and online
“The kingdom of God is within you.” ( Lk: 17:21). journals.

30 www.LifeInNaples.net