Rejoicing at your table

In our domestic church, dinner conversation is always lively. One topic weaves itself into another, with movie or song quotes being thrown in all the while. Sometimes there is music playing in the background and sometimes it's just the sound of Irish Jig dissecting the contents of her plate as she tries to decide what might, or might not, be palatable. (Oh how I love the two's)

Earlier this week, we settled at the table after gathering children from the far reaches of the yard and house. The dinner bell (yes, we have one) was rung...and still a child was missing. The rest of us sat to enjoy the meal and, as we began to say Grace, the wayward child sauntered in with no plausible reason for his tardiness.

Mr. Neoclassic admonished said child for the rudeness shown to the rest of the family, then invited him to join the table. Grace was said and the meal continued.

For good measure, though, Mr. Neoclassic pulled out a favorite Biblical verse:

Children, pay heed to a father's right; do so that you may live, Sirach 3:1

(It was said in jest, just in case you're worried about children living around here)

Well, that little quote started a hail storm of favorites around the table. In fact, we pulled out the nearest Bible just to add more fun to the conversation. (Truth? We pulled out the Bible because we don't know that many by heart :) In light of our recent order from Fr. Ken to "make it entertaining," Classic Rock offered Colossians 4:21 -

Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

Papa, you know this one better as, "Fathers do not nag your children, lest they lose heart!" It was the first and, for a very long time, only verse my older sister and I knew. And we used it often!

I particularly like verse 19 of that Colossians passage: Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.  I just ignore verse 18, where wives are reminded to be subordinate to your husbands. Two thousand years ago, sure, but now? I jest. Sort of.

Then we moved the quoting party into some of our favorite books - Proverbs and Sirach. Highlights include:

A wise son makes his father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.
Prov 10:1

A brother is a better defense than a strong city Prov 18:19

If there are many with you at table, be not the first to reach out your hand.
Sir 31: 18

Moderate eating ensures sound slumber and a clear mind next day on rising.
Sir 31:20

He [or she!] who loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Prov 12:1

Happy the husband of a good wife....she is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the Lord Sir 26:1,3

For extra points, match the verse to its intended recipient!!

Today's post title is Psalm 128, as set to music by Marty Haugen - Blessed are Those