This year, of course, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) has put a damper on such plans. So today, I've been thinking about how we might observe a family St. Joseph's Table social distancing style while staying true to the idea of community charity and thanksgiving.
In doing so, I went back to read different legends about the origins of the St. Joseph's Table, and, as I did, many ideas for St. Joseph's Table sharing social distancing style popped into mind. I am sharing them here in case that might inspire you to reach out in charity through doing a modified St. Joseph's Table.
Firstly, I am thinking that at home we will simply have a small, three-tiered table with a few symbolic foods and prayer of thanksgiving.
Secondly, I am thinking that we can reach out to others somewhat like we have done in the past with Love Buckets, egging on Spy Wednesday, and St. Nicholas baskets in secrecy with prayers and gifting. Along those lines, we might:
Offer prayers and food for 12 elderly or orphaned people in the community.
In one origin legend, it is said that "When the rains miraculously came the landowners set up huge banquet tables in the public square and invited all the poor and served them themselves...Particularly invited were orphans or elderly folk who did not have anyone to care for them properly. There were always twelve in number."
How about preparing a bag or basket of St. Joseph's Table foods and/or items people might appreciate while social distancing and drop them on the doorsteps of 12 people's home?
How about preparing a bag or basket of St. Joseph's Table foods and/or items people might appreciate while social distancing and drop them on the doorsteps of 12 people's home?
Share your surplus.
It is said that, "Farmers in a particular area experienced a crop that would not yield anything. At the same time farmers in other areas had an abundant crop. Knowing of their neighbors' plight they decided to give a feast for them in the piazza directly facing the church of their village. The meal consisted entirely of meatless dishes because meat was not easily obtainable and a very uncommon staple in their diet."
In memory of this, with inspiration of little free libraries and little free pantries, how about setting up a little free "St. Joseph's Table" in your front yard or in a common space on your street or in your neighborhood where people could give and take freely during this period of social distancing? It could be as simple as a small table with a plastic bin atop it that you put some water, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, shelf stable foods, or the like in.
Donate canned fish and other goods!
Another story relates, "The fishermen had been having very bad luck in catching fish... The fishermen promised St. Joseph that if he gave them fish, they would make a feast for all the people of the village. They caught a great amount of fish and fulfilled their promise by having a feast in the village square. Because the first Table was done by fishermen, this is why fish, not meat, is always served at the Table."
Canned goods have been out of stock in many stores. If you have canned fish - or other canned goods - consider donating some to a local pantry or gifting neighbors or community members in need with them.
Drop cheese, crackers, bread, and fruit to community helpers.
In still another story, it is said, "The people were starving and St. Joseph told the mothers to 'spray their milk'- (in other words the women were told to make cheese from their milk to feed the people) and from that time they had the Table".Think of people who help keep your community safe and healthy - doctors, police officers, EMT's, lab technicians, firefighters, etc. - and drop a platter of fruit, cheese, bread, and crackers to them.
I pray these ideas get you thinking about meaningful ways you can celebrate a St. Joseph's Table and extend the reach of charity and thanksgiving during this time of social distancing.
I'd love to hear your ideas, too.
You can find all our past St. Joseph ideas and posts here.
St Joseph, pray for us!
