One of the essential spiritual practices of
the Christian life in general and of living the faith at home, is the practice
of reminder. “Out of sight, out of mind” is well-worn aphorism, because of its
veracity. In our screen infested age, we might also say, “Screen in sight, no
sight of mind.” This is due to the screen’s phenomenal power to capture our
mind’s attention, obliterating the world around us. The practice of reminder is
all about reminding ourselves of the reality of God and the reality of our commitment
to the God of love revealed in Jesus Christ.
This is more than simply a reminder, such as a
post it-note on the refrigerator door or stapled to the dog’s tail (I apologize,
the Cat Lovers of Canada requested I include that line). This is a symbolic
reminder. We are symbol hungry and symbol making creatures. Nobody needs to
tell us this. Nobody needs to tell people to decorate their homes with items
that reflect who they are and what they value. Family pictures, movie posters,
and so on. Yet, I ask, are there any symbols of the faith displayed in your
home? (Red Sox pennants don’t count, close, but no!)
There is a long tradition of Eastern
Christians displaying icons in their home, sometimes called an icon wall. In
the West, there is the long and wonderful custom of a family altar. A small
altar or devotional space that includes saints’ pictures, prayers, and is often
changed to reflect the season of the Church year. In more Protestant circles, a
prominently displayed family Bible and sometimes also, Bible verses. Among
Anglican Christians, a visible Book of Common Prayer. Among Lutherans, a
displayed casserole (Yes, that was joke. I prefer Lutefisk, anyway.)
It is not necessary to have a full chapel in
your home (though some people have these, really), but it is wise to have some
holy reminders, some symbols of the faith, to remind you of your Christian faith.
In fact, the idea is for them to be less churchy and more-homey or less
gathered church and more domestic church. Let it reflect your personality and
any others in your household. Be as creative as you like. There are lots of
resources out there. Start small. How are you doing with this or how might you
begin?
We light the advent wreath ice candles on the lawn every evening at 4 pm (dusk) and the go out around 9 (votive candles). Plus our common Rule of Life.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds beautiful, making it both a personal and public observance of the season. You have a common rule of life as a couple?
ReplyDeleteWe purchased a locally-made icon on a Greek island. It hangs near the front door, where we see it every time we enter or use the front closet. Not a wall-full, but a nice reminder.
ReplyDeleteI have difficulty believing that you genuinely prefer Lutefisk.
Glad to hear you have a visible reminder of your faith. Having something at the door is an excellent position. It reminds you as you come and go and is also a witness to those coming into your home. Lutefisk is tasty.
ReplyDelete