A story told to me by a Native American:
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When the Spanish invaded New Mexico in the 16th century, life was about to change for the Native Americans in the mountains of Northern New Mexico.

Severe droughts during the 15th and16th centuries were already having effects on these pueblo Indians. Some tribes, like the Anasazi, seemed to just disappear from existence. Others appeared to become stronger, even more determined to survive.

When the Spanish came to this area of New Mexico, they were received very differently by different pueblo people. The reason, in part, was the religion the Spanish brought with them. The Spaniards were of the Catholic faith that believed that all people should be Catholic. In ­pursuit of their beliefs, they were on a mission to convert all pueblo people in the area to Catholicism. They built their houses of worship on top of the traditional Native American’s holy ground, and even resorted to killing those in defiance.

In spite of this, the Spaniards had an appeal to many of the tribes. The pueblo people were told that if they converted and prayed to God for their needs, God would help them. With all the adversity these people had endured with droughts, this message was a welcomed one. Some pueblo people even helped with the building of churches, and especially the altars.

It was a practice in those times that all prayers to God be conducted at the altars of these churches. Many Native Americans were beginning to experience a new hope!

But there was another group of pueblo people that didn’t buy into the concept of “pray to God and ask for what you need”, even though they were forced to cooperate in the Spanish way of thinking. Keep in mind, these pueblo people were already very spiritual and many had a very different view of how God takes care of his people. They believed very simply that God had already given their people all they needed and they should only “thank God” for all that he has given.

For this group of pueblo people, the concept of asking God for more was very confusing; thus the fancy altars built in these churches became known to this group of pueblo people as “Begging Tables”.

One of these pueblo people, Gerald Nailor – or as he is known among his people, New Deer – has a painting hanging in the Santa Fe Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico titled, “The Begging Table – The Beginning of Confusion.”

When Gerald shared this story with me, I was ‘touched.’ I have become more aware and grateful for what God has already given – and less inclined to ask for more.

Doug
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Note:  This story took place in a different time. Today, I see Catholics as very respectful of those with different faiths, and I have personally experienced their giving to all – regardless of their beliefs.