Home as domestic church
The first verse of our life’s story might begin with nothing but a slow growing dream that our fear seems to hide deep inside our minds. As we realize some of our dreams, we are moved to silent tears full of pride we feel for what we are achieving in a world made of stone.
Close our eyes and we can hear the music of our life’s story and perhaps remember the rest of Irene Cara’s song “What a Feeling”:
What a feelin', being's believin'
I can have it all, now I'm dancing for my life
Take your passion, and make it happen…
The reality of our being, our existence, is such a gift from God that the realization of it can have us dancing for our lives. We can follow the passion of our dreams, and as we make it happen, we are practically dancing on the ceiling (Lionel Richie’s song).
How does this come about in our daily lives and in our homes? With the help of prayer. Recently I witnessed the installation of a parish priest. The archbishop processed inside the church to various sites and objects of liturgical significance.
The Baptismal font reminded us of Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations.” The Confessional recalled how we experience peace and reconciliation. The Holy Oils bring healing. The ambo is where the gospel is proclaimed. The altar is the place of the Mass and Eucharist, and the place of celebrations like marriage and funerals. The priest’s figurative chair reminds us of the presence of Jesus.
It struck me that our homes need blessing. Just as the priest is commissioned for liturgical ministry, parents are God’s representatives in family life. There are sites and objects in the home that embody the domestic church.
I can recall a parish priest blessing our home, out buildings, the fields of my father’s farm, and the seed for sowing. The presence of sacramentals like crucifixes, palms, and holy water still bless our homes today. Occasionally you may find a little prayer corner with candles, bible and statues.
Imagine installing parents in the domestic church of their homes. Recognise key objects and places. The living or family room would be a place where the family enjoys entertainment, fellowship, prayer and scripture reading. Here we also learn about winning and losing as we play games and watch sports.
The bedroom is a sacred place where married life begins. It is a place of blessing, of dreams and prayer. Notice the crucifix. Life’s aches and pains find solace in healthful rest. Sacred moments like the beginning and end of life happen on a bed. Pain and prayer are no strangers as we age in this sacred place.
The kitchen/dining room is perhaps the center of the domestic church. Here we prepare meals, break bread, and share family life. And here we do much to help our children learn to pray as we give thanks for our blessings.
Installing a priest in a church emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in all things liturgical. The same Spirit is present in our homes. A short blessing by Emily Jennings says a home shall have a kitchen, a bar, a bedroom and a cathedral, so that the couple can:
eat when they are hungry,
drink when they are dry,
make love when they are lonely,
and have salvation when they die.
(570 words)
