Table Grace

Sunday afternoon. It was the moment that many had been eagerly anticipating since the start of the service – the benediction. Like a swarm of buzzing bees, the youths rushed to the nearby chicken rice stall to gratify their grumbling stomachs. After managing to find seats around an empty table – the table was not exactly empty as it was filled with used glasses and plates which were left by previous customers – David and Samuel took out their handphones to exchange the latest mp3 files with one another using Bluetooth technology. Sitting opposite them were two veteran private investigators, Sharon and Hazel, who started examining the validity of the latest gossips circulating in school the moment they sat down. Next to Hazel was the young and quiet Brenda, whose presence could be easily overlooked if one was not observant enough. There she was, at her usual self, waiting quietly for the food to be served.

Just as the food arrived on the table, the observant Sharon immediately stretched out her right fist, with her thumb facing forward. Brenda, who knew the tradition well, yet was not brave enough to take the first move, followed the same action. Hazel, David and Samuel then stretched out their thumbs as well, almost doing it at the same time. In the end, the group decided that Samuel was the loser, therefore was forfeited to say grace for the food. “Why me again?!” protested Samuel. “Who asked you to be so slow! Next time faster a bit lah!” Sharon replied with a cheeky smile. Reluctantly, Samuel started praying for the food while the rest picked up their forks and spoons to prepare for the battle…

I do not know who started this game and I do not know how widespread this game has become. But if table grace has been relegated to a form of punishment of a game, it simply means that the “players” are not genuinely interested or sincere to participate in the table grace. Nevertheless, the game itself is not to be blamed, it simply reflects the apathetic attitude of people towards table grace. Even without the game, it is quite common that someone has to be appointed to say grace for the food. How often do we see someone volunteering to pray for the food (If so, it is often done out of frustration due to the lack of response from the rest)?

Other than that, when someone prays a lengthier-than-usual prayer before the meal, the rest naturally become restless and impatient, grumbling in their hearts about the inconsideration and insensitivity of the person. On the contrary, if a person prays an extremely short prayer, in spite of the minority raising their eyebrows over the sincerity of the prayer, most would be more than happy that the prayer is over and eating can begin. Yet, if table grace is such a torturous act that is disliked by many, then why are we still embracing it? Has table grace become a fossilised tradition that has to be conducted simply as a license to eat, regardless of the sincerity of the people involved?

If that is true, then we have lost the beauty of table grace. Table grace is a ritual where the participants of the ritual partake the food with a heart of genuine thanksgiving, remembering and giving thanks to the One who provides the food. Nevertheless, ultimately what matters most is not that one is able to conduct table grace faithfully at each meal. Rather, it is that one may remain constantly in a posture of thanksgiving towards the One who provides not only food, but everything.