When I signed the contract with my TV cable company, it was very easy to click the button “pay." But now that I want to cancel, I have the hardest time finding the correct page.
Don’t we work with others that same way ourselves? We think of them during the time we have to spend on a particular task, but not much after. At the office we work on important projects and are SOOOO friendly with everybody. But if we quit, we do not have contact with anybody there any more. We drop the project in the lap of whoever comes next.
There is a “use it and throw it away” mentality at play.
The same quick-to-forget mode shows in the objects we buy. We buy the “big, fancy” house. Before we buy it, the salesman behaves like our best friend. But after the purchase, he is nowhere to be found and repairmen become rare. In the mental horizon, there is no “after”.
The “before” is not taken seriously either. Young people want a job bringing them money -- now. So instead of studying for a few years and having a real career later, they rush to take the first 'ok' job for an 18 year old. Chances are they will stay at that salary level for the rest of their life. They do not want the pain of studying “before” they go into the marketplace.
SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES
This absence of care for a “before” and an “after” happens with food too. Most people who do not eat well are also those who do not plan what they are going to eat. They take no time to shop for the items which would allow them to prepare what is right to eat. As a result, they eat whatever they find when hunger strikes.
This carries through, as well, when it comes to religion. We rush to church, when we have an hour to spare. We leave the church early to avoid a clogged parking lot exit. At Mass we only get a “during”, and that “during” has to be entertaining: upbeat music and an amusing homily.
But do we have a heart to heart conversation with the Creator? Are we preparing for the long term which is the eternal world? With this approach, we should not be surprised that we have so little inner life.
HIGH QUALITY ALWAYS
With this lack of attention to a “before” and an “after”, we get a poor “now”.
We turn around and see that our children are not able to concentrate. But where could they learn to focus if they never see an example of a “before” and an “after” giving intensity to the present? We end up with a multitude of floating moments ... always looking for something new.
Without a proper “before” and proper “after’ there are but shallow “nows” and we get no satisfaction.
Nevertheless we wish things were different. We wish for products that last, services that are faithful, Masses with sacredness. Our hearts and desires are meant for the real, the deeper, the lasting. If we could just shape up and take seriously the “before” and the “after”....
29 December 2009
Welcome
Welcome to the new blog for Daniel Rabourdin's "Theology of the Table" television series on EWTN. You will also be treated to a sneak preview of Daniel's upcoming book on the celebration of the family meal.
"Theology of the Table" is a series scheduled to air this spring on EWTN. This new Catholic ministry allows us to learn afresh the value of the family meal, in order to better live out the Catholic Mass. Our ministry is faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
It is well known that the Holy Mass was instituted at the Last Supper. That meal established the ritual that re-presents the Sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, throughout all time. Therefore, the Catholic Mass is largely structured according to the Last Supper. The foods used and mentioned at Mass (bread, wine, and lamb) carry a unique symbolism. Understanding that symbolism allows us to participate better in the Eucharist.
Dinners at Theology of the Table consist of a spiritual talk, followed by a cooking workshop, then a meal. Topics include:
• Mass and Meal as Rite and Custom
• Preparation for and Conclusion of Mass and Meal
• Bread of Eternal Life and the Bread of Men
• Cup of the Covenant and the Wine of Men
• Lamb of God and Lamb of Men
With Theology of the Table, participants are sure to enjoy one of the finest social events in town, great food, and a meaningful talk. The event improves both your eating habits and your soul’s participation at Mass. It is a wonderful way to fervently receive the Body of Jesus the Lord in the host, and grow in His spiritual blessings.
The original Theology of the Table dinners began in Birmingham, Alabama. They are a creation of Daniel Rabourdin, MA, producer at EWTN. Joanne Cournoyer, MA (candidate) of Steubenville, Ohio has worked closely with Daniel and will give the same workshop in Steubenville.
You too can create your own club.
Theology of the Table:
• Bolsters the faithful in understanding the sacramental nature of preparing meals and eating together.
• Deepens our appreciation the Holy Eucharist and the richness of the Mass.
• Awakens awareness of the sacred nature of the family meal.
• Encourages families in the practice of regular family meals together.
• Promotes a greater consciousness of healthy choices regarding our eating habits.
• Encourages participants to become proficient in a Catholic understanding the value of the meal and the Mass, in order to equip them to repeat the experience in their own communities.
Let us bring back the tradition of the meal. Sitting down with family and friends to a communal meal allows us to live out, in a richer way, the Sunday Mass.
"Theology of the Table" is a series scheduled to air this spring on EWTN. This new Catholic ministry allows us to learn afresh the value of the family meal, in order to better live out the Catholic Mass. Our ministry is faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
It is well known that the Holy Mass was instituted at the Last Supper. That meal established the ritual that re-presents the Sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, throughout all time. Therefore, the Catholic Mass is largely structured according to the Last Supper. The foods used and mentioned at Mass (bread, wine, and lamb) carry a unique symbolism. Understanding that symbolism allows us to participate better in the Eucharist.
Dinners at Theology of the Table consist of a spiritual talk, followed by a cooking workshop, then a meal. Topics include:
• Mass and Meal as Rite and Custom
• Preparation for and Conclusion of Mass and Meal
• Bread of Eternal Life and the Bread of Men
• Cup of the Covenant and the Wine of Men
• Lamb of God and Lamb of Men
With Theology of the Table, participants are sure to enjoy one of the finest social events in town, great food, and a meaningful talk. The event improves both your eating habits and your soul’s participation at Mass. It is a wonderful way to fervently receive the Body of Jesus the Lord in the host, and grow in His spiritual blessings.
The original Theology of the Table dinners began in Birmingham, Alabama. They are a creation of Daniel Rabourdin, MA, producer at EWTN. Joanne Cournoyer, MA (candidate) of Steubenville, Ohio has worked closely with Daniel and will give the same workshop in Steubenville.
You too can create your own club.
Theology of the Table:
• Bolsters the faithful in understanding the sacramental nature of preparing meals and eating together.
• Deepens our appreciation the Holy Eucharist and the richness of the Mass.
• Awakens awareness of the sacred nature of the family meal.
• Encourages families in the practice of regular family meals together.
• Promotes a greater consciousness of healthy choices regarding our eating habits.
• Encourages participants to become proficient in a Catholic understanding the value of the meal and the Mass, in order to equip them to repeat the experience in their own communities.
Let us bring back the tradition of the meal. Sitting down with family and friends to a communal meal allows us to live out, in a richer way, the Sunday Mass.
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