by Fred Moleck
Martyrs and Saints
On the day after Thanksgiving Day, a merchant in Pittsburgh's quaintest and sometimes somewhat hip shopping neighborhood emblazoned on the front window of his or her establishment the following benediction:
We give thanks for Turkey Martyrs and Shopping SaintsWow! Theology of the streets and market liturgy all summed up in a nine-word benediction. The ancient practice of canonization by acclamation was re-instituted, and all because in the United States, for at least one day out of the year, holy birds at holy times are given official recognition by the reigning pontiff-the retail merchant.
Hagiography advanced light years with that assertion of gratitude.
These turkeys endured the ultimate sacrifice so that the domestic church, with all of its variants, and the institutional church, with its tradition of giving thanks, could renew themselves in the ritual meal of American origins: excessive eating and drinking.
What better way to show our gratitude for God's overwhelming bounty of good stuff than by trying to eat most of it all at one sitting?
I also see it as a large step forward for the animal rights people. Here is a public statement admitting the wrongdoing of animal slaughter so that all of us could feast. Turkey as martyr. Turkey as nourisher. Turkey as holy bird.
The shopkeeper shows great wisdom in admitting the powerful presence of the Pittsburgh shopper as a life-giving force to the general well-being of Pittsburgh's economy and quality of life.
This recognition also resonates with the acclamation tradition mentioned above. Regional heroes and heroines were rewarded for their virtuous living by the great huzzahs of the folk who were probably egged on by the kin of the hero or heroine.
The good people of the province, duchy, region, or fief had firsthand experience of the saints' lifestyles and miracles. So what better experts for the naming of saints than the folks who knew them the best? Sounds like a great plan to me.
No committees. No alleged miracles. No money exchanged.
In this part of Pittsburgh, the shoppers are the holy ones whose miracles of commerce make life a little better for all of us. God bless 'em.
When commerce is vigorous, the church collection goes up-except in Boston. When the church collection goes up, the parish's music program can expand.
When the parish budget and music program expand, then there is clear evidence that miracles can happen. It always starts on the regional level.
So, let us praise the Turkey Martyr. Let us glorify the Shopping Saints.
Our careers and ministry depend on it.
You can reach Fred Moleck via email at fmoleck@earthlink.net