A Family Altar

A family went to the Holy Land and took their 5 year old with them. The mother narrated the sightseeing the first day. She pointed out the various places that had historical significance in Christ’s time. The next day she did the same thing and later that evening the 5 year old asked, “Where did we see Jesus today?”

A family altar provides a place where you and your family can reflect on where you have seen Jesus in the every-day activities of your life. We walk in prayer knowing events occur daily that strengthen and sometimes, test our beliefs. A family altar is a place to put such occurrences in a tangible manner. The Altar is a place to share victories and losses, concerns and problems-solved. It is a place to say “thank you” and a place to say “help.”

For the past few years I have made a commitment to follow The Rule of Benedict. Benedictine spirituality asks one to see God’s presence in everyday places and relationships. I have learned when I look expectantly for something; I inevitably begin to find it over and over again. A family altar makes tangible the sacred moments and actions that occur everyday in our families. As each family member contributes to the altar it becomes a common table – a place to celebrate and share our triumphs and a place to receive family support in times of need.

What to put on the altar? Just about anything that represents a feeling or concern. Perhaps a report card, a grandchild’s art, an invitation, an obituary, a newspaper article. Maybe a set of car keys to announce a new driver in the family, a toy that was nicely shared, a lab report or a picture of a pet. The list is as unique as each and every family.

Your altar may be a place of sharing and story telling. If it is located in the center of the dinner table then it will become an active part of each day. Perhaps, the altar is in a quiet retreat. It could be in a place where you go to center and be close to God in prayer. The kitchen is often the center of family life and could be just the place for your altar, or maybe it is right on the door of your refrigerator for all the world to share.

Sue Bender is the author of a book called “Everyday Sacred.” She speaks of Buddhist Monks roaming the countryside with a “begging bowl.” A Monk begins each day with a small bowl and faith that by day’s end it will have contained all that is necessary to sustain them on that day. A family Altar is a visible place of faith. It is our reminder that with faith we will receive all that we need to sustain us each day. Sharing this faith with your family is a powerful statement.