October 30.   Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions had a very bad affect on dinners and parties, while families were able to spend much more time sharing meals at home.  But what about dinner time etiquette?  It’s interesting that at home around a table you often find everyone with their cellphone or tablet and with minimal conversation. Is that lacking respect?  Even in restaurants people do have their phones at hand, but at a formal dinner that would be severely frowned upon. Seating arrangements are carefully considered, polite conversation and etiquette are the name of the game and conventions are generally respected.  Dad suggested,  “Maybe we should consider such an attitude of  respect for the way we behave at home and try harder to interact with one another too.  We might even enjoy our family meals more!”      

“Friend go up higher, then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at table with you.  For every one who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:7-11  Pope Francis:  In the  family we first learn how to show love and respect for life, we are taught the proper use of things, order and cleanliness, respect for the ecosystem and care for all creatures.  In the family we receive an integral education which enables us to grow harmoniously in personal maturity.  We learn to ask without demanding, to say thank you, for what we have been given, to control our aggressivity and greed and to ask forgiveness when we have caused harm. LS213. Reflect, share, act and pray.   How eco-family-friendly have I been today in our home?