Two pillars of the Canonical Life are: Common Prayer and Common Table. This means that we pray together and we eat together as a community. Most people know the phrase “A family that prays together, stays together.” In American society we are now learning that a family that does not eat together does not stay together, either. By praying together and eating together, we are sharing the two most important things in our lives. Without food our bodies whither and die. Without prayer our souls whither and die.
Today it seems that many people choose not to pray together and many people choose not to eat together. We live in a time that stresses the importance of our own choices. Our comfort is more important than our lives together. We see this with the end of families eating together. Everyone seems too busy to come together, as a family, and share a meal.
We even see this with our friendships. How often have we had the following conversation:
“Would you like to go somewhere?”
“Where?”
“I don’t know. We can go grab a cup of coffee.”
“Hmmm… I don’t think I want a cup of coffee.”
“Well, we can go to Café ABC, they have many things.”
“Maybe next time. I don’t like that place.”
“Oh… Okay. I will call you later.”
What is wrong with that conversation? The error is the choice that is being made. The point of the invitation is not the coffee nor the Café. The point of the invitation is to spend time with a friend. But, the person is making their decision not based on friendship, but is deciding based on their own comfort. The internal benefit of common friendship is being ignored for the external benefit of personal comfort.
We don’t only do this with our family and friends. We do this daily with God.
How often do we make excuses for not going to Church? I have heard and used many of them. We say things like: “I am tired,” “I am too busy,” “ The music is not very good”, “I went last week,” “I don’t really like the priest,” or “I am just not feeling like it today.” When we use these excuses, we are separating ourselves from God. We are saying that external things (things that are not in common to us and God) are the reason for the choice we make. God is not part of the decision. He is the one that is inviting us to spend time with him. But, are we making our choice based on our relationship with Him?
In the Book of Jeremiah (42:9-12) God presents two choices to the people. In the passage the people are experiencing great hardships and God tells them “stay with me and I will grant you mercy.” But they want to flee to Egypt. They think that the hardships will go away. They believe that there will be an end to hunger, sorrow and war. But, God tells them that it is an illusion and that in the end they will die.
The First Choice
Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your supplication before him: If you will remain in this land, then I will build you up and not pull you down; I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I repent of the evil which I did to you. Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; do not fear him, says the LORD, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy on you and let you remain in your own land.
(Jeremiah 42:9-12 RSV)
The Second Choice
then hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there, then the sword which you fear shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow hard after you to Egypt; and there you shall die.
(Jeremiah 42:14-16 RSV)
The Struggle that the Jews were facing is a metaphor for our lives as Christians. Israel, the promised land, represents Promise of Heaven. Egypt represents the World. The struggles the Jews are facing are the struggles that we encounter as Christians. We can choose to leave the Promised Land for what seems to be a more comfortable life. But, that life is a mirage. It is an empty promise without God and it will lead to death (life without the promise of Heaven).
How does this relate to Common Prayer and a Common Table?
At the last supper Christ invited us to eat with him. He has offered us the Bread of Heaven and the Cup of Salvation. He told us to come together as a community to pray and eat with him. Will we choose our own way, our own life and live separately from Him; or, will we choose His Way, His life and live in common with Him?
If we want stronger relationships with our family, friends, and with God. We must choose to live a common life with them. We need to be wary of the false promises of external comfort. Every day Christ asks us to spend time with Him. It is our choice to make.
Honour to me is a sacrifice of thanksgiving; to the upright I will show God’s salvation.’ (Psalms 50:23 NJB)
#1 by DAWN MILLER on September 8th, 2009
Quote
Very good. We as a family ate together also, When were not at school sport or such. Even wih Roy and I, just the two of us, ate together, unless of course was a very important, cannot miss, sports game. America is falling into the arms of the devil thru its peoples actions and loss of family togethrness.
#2 by Claudia on September 8th, 2009
Quote
Wow! You will make a great priest. I will keep your words in mind when I’m making excuses re: God. Brilliant job!
Claudia
#3 by Spencer on September 9th, 2009
Quote
Hmmm… I wonder who you were thinking of when that cafe analogy came to mind? You are right… I will remember that the next time I’m about to say “no”.
#4 by Jason fudge on September 10th, 2009
Quote
ABC World News ran a pretty good story this week about this. They interviewed a rabbi and a minister that both have online sermons. But they both talk about the importance of community. Check out the podcast to see it. I think it ran on the 7th.
#5 by Bekki on September 13th, 2009
Quote
Very good, and so true on many levels. I’ve always thought of gatherings with friends and family, whether for a meal or just to chat over a cup of coffee, as filling a purpose beyond the venue or menu. You’re right, the gathering is about spending time with people you care about, and finding joy in the moment.
The same is true about church, and I must admit, that I too have made excuses for not going sometimes. It’s really just about saying yes to God’s offer to spend time and meet with HIm, and finding His joy, peace, and love in that moment.
#6 by Nana on September 13th, 2009
Quote
[The comment below is from Nana, I'm just typing in what she wrote]
Michael,
My prayer for you is that you have found real happiness and fulfillment through Christ. You are so deserving of His many blessings. I try, but often fail to keep Him foremost in my mind for my many blessings. It gives me needed strength knowing you are blessed with this year’s opportunity of study and making decisions for your future.
Thanks for keeping us posted and sending the beautiful pictures.
Love, hugs, and blessings always,
Nana
PS – It’s so great to hear that your mom is coming to visit you during Easter!
PSS – I don’t think it looks like you’re wearing a doily.
#7 by Cori Brown on September 20th, 2009
Quote
I finally made time to read this. I purposely put it off because I wanted to find a time when I could read it thoughtfully. Did I feel too busy? Yes, I did; but, I’m glad I found a peaceful place to reflect on it. This is so well said. I consider similar thoughts often. I get frustrated when my sister comes to San Diego from northern California and chooses to visit her friends, but has no time for her family (meaning me and my son and his family). It might not be quite so bad if I didn’t hear excuses like: “I don’t like the traffic patterns to where you live.” (Yes, she has actually used that excuse more than once.) I think much like you have said, we don’t put aside our comfort for something more important. Perhaps it’s my sister’s lack of spiritual life that impacts her choices; but maybe not completely. I read the other day a post in which someone said “thank you for…,” and I wondered who it was that person was thanking. It would have been God for me, so I’m not sure whether it was “assumed” that’s who she was thanking or whether it was a miscellaneous entity. People are such a mystery to me sometimes…actually a lot of the time. Thanks for listening!