by Fred Moleck
Simply Grateful
Last Thursday, the DCUSA emerged. It happens every year about this time when the indigenous holy day of our country is celebrated.
It is the day that crosses ethnic boundaries, sexual proclivities, and political tensions as it centers on feeding quantities of food to quantities of people.
Yes, Thanksgiving Day was on Thursday.
The DCUSA plays a prominent role in this national day of feasting, and you are an important part of its membership. In fact, you probably played a key role in its activities.
The DCUSA-we are all the better for it.
You probably are wondering what the DCUSA is and how it is that you hold membership and even are vital to its well-being.
The DCUSA is the Domestic Church of the United States of America.
It shows itself as families and friends gather around their tables, ready to plunge into near gluttony when someone observes, "Wouldn't it be nice if someone would say grace?"
This spasm of accountability to the Great Provider throws some gatherings off guard, since they don't express gratitude any other time.
After the Wouldn't-it-be-nice-if-someone-would-say-grace observation is made, a silence falls over the group, and one brave soul-usually the mom or dad or the DRE in the family-begins with a hearty, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
And then shames everyone into mumbling, "Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts. . . ."
On the other hand, there are gatherings of family and friends who are not only accustomed to giving thanks, but have perfected it into a lovely ritual.
If a cleric is present, good manners asks that he or she be invited to lead the prayer. Or, if the youngest person who is able to talk and attend preschool is cajoled into the ministry of prayer leading, the kiddy prayer begins, "God is great. God is good. . . ." You know the rest.
Sometimes, the prayer is spontaneous and frequently goes on, and on, and on. This practice usually occurs when one of the eaters is a member of a prayer group.
What is consistent in all of these situations is that the prayer originates in the domestic scene and, for a few moments, church is realized.
The domestic church is a favorite agenda item at liturgical committee meetings. The item usually centers on the ways the organization can be helpful to the "at-home" praying.
Scripture plays a part in the prayer plan, as well as lighting of the Advent wreath (have you erected or wreath yet?) zand the placing of alms money in a common receptacle. The domestic church at prayer is a great concern for the committee.
I'm always more comfortable at the table where there is no agenda to pray other than to give thanks. Thanksgiving Day provides the arena where the DCUSA can continue its yearly moment of prayer.
It is one time, at least, that folks feel some need to say thank you. Sung or spoken or stumbled over, giving thanks is central to the day.
Thanks. Simply thanks.
You can reach Fred Moleck via email at fmoleck@earthlink.net