Thread by @DouayRheims1

THE HOME ALTAR

1. A characteristic of popular Catholic Christian devotion is the home altar. From very early times, Christians painted or hung a cross on the east wall of their room, in keeping with ancient Jewish tradition (‘Look toward the east, O Jerusalem,’ – Baruch 4:36)

2. Christians turned in that direction when they prayed morning and evening and at other times. This expression of their faith in the coming again of Jesus was united to their conviction that the cross, ‘the Sign of the Son of Man,’

3. would appear in the eastern heavens on his return (see Matthew 24:30).

Building on that ancient custom, devout Catholic Christians often have a home altar, shrine, or prayer corner containing a crucifix, religious pictures (icons), Bible, holy water, lights, and flowers

4. as part of the essential furniture of a Christian home. Often erected on a shelf or table in the living or dining room, the family assembles there before or after meals at day’s beginning and at day’s ending. #Christianity #Christian #CatholicTwitter #HomeAltar #Catholic #home

5. Many Catholic Christians keep a perpetual candle burning on the home altar to remind themselves of Christ’s promise: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).
#Bible #WednesdayThoughts

(from: Popular Catholic Devotions)