jesus, the "home-maker"
"Then each went off to his own house." —John 7:53
Zacchaeus encountered Jesus and opened his house to Him. That day, salvation came to his house (Lk 19:9). A royal official encountered Jesus, and Jesus promised to heal his son. "Jesus told him, 'Return home' " (Jn 4:50). His son was healed, and his entire household "became believers" (Jn 4:53). A demon-possessed man met Jesus and was set free. He wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus "told him instead: 'Go home' " (Mk 5:19). The man told his family of the mercy of Jesus and all were amazed (Mk 5:20). For these people, Jesus was a home-maker.
The Jewish leaders of Jerusalem also encountered Jesus. They scorned Him, and returned home (Jn 7:53). Sadly, they missed the time of their visitation and lost the path to peace for their homes (Lk 19:42-44). Within forty years, their homes were totally destroyed by the Romans (Lk 19:44). The people of the towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida encountered Jesus and saw first-hand His miracles. However, they didn't take Jesus into their lives or their homes. As Jesus prophesied, their homes were also destroyed by the Roman army (Mt 11:20-24).
Bring Jesus into your home today. Give Him control of everything that takes place in your home. As Jesus takes charge of home repair, He may find it necessary to rip out some deteriorated or warped areas (see Lk 12:51-53). Yet Jesus is the "Restorer of ruined homesteads" (Is 58:12) and He tears down only to speed up the ultimate purpose of home restoration. Make Jesus the Lord of your home. Then your home will be so strong and united that it will survive even the worst trials (Mt 7:24-25).
Prayer: Father, use my home as a launching pad for the spread of the Gospel.
Promise: "A Shield before me is God, Who saves the upright of heart." —Ps 7:11
Praise: St. Vincent's motto was: "Whatever you do, think not of yourself, but of God."
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 30, 2013
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.