Introduction
Jesus, for us Catholics, is more than a historical figure or a good teacher; He is the Son of God, our Savior. Inviting Jesus into our homes is not just a symbolic act but a genuine desire for His presence to fill our lives. But what does it mean to “invite Jesus” into our homes? This article aims to discuss this, using the teachings from the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Let’s understand why it’s crucial, what it involves, and how we can genuinely make Jesus feel welcomed.
The Need for Jesus in Our Lives
The first question to ask is why we need Jesus in our lives. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This statement asserts Jesus’ unique role as the way to eternal life.
In the Catechism, we read that “At all times and in every race, anyone who fears God and does what is right has been acceptable to him. He has, however, willed to make men holy and save them, not as individuals without any bond or link between them, but rather to make them into a people who might acknowledge him and serve him in holiness” (CCC 781). Here, the Church confirms the universal call to holiness and our collective need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
What Does It Mean to Invite Jesus Into Your Home?
Inviting Jesus into your home is not merely a physical invitation but a spiritual one. This spiritual invitation means living a life that reflects His teachings. The home should be a place where the family gathers for prayer, celebrates the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and seeks to live out the Christian virtues.
The Catechism states that the home is the “domestic church” where parents “by word and example… are the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children” (CCC 1656). Inviting Jesus into your home means making it a place where the Gospel is lived, not just talked about.
Living According to His Teachings
Inviting Jesus means we seek to live according to His teachings. He told us, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). We cannot say that Jesus is welcomed in our home if we are living in a way that is contrary to His teachings.
The Church says that the “entire Law of the Gospel is contained in the ‘new commandment’ of Jesus, to love one another as He has loved us” (CCC 1970). This is a challenging task and goes beyond mere feelings. It involves sacrificial love for one another, just as Jesus showed sacrificial love for us by dying on the cross.
Making Room for Prayer and the Word
We read in the Bible that Jesus often retreated to pray (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16). Likewise, our homes should be a place where prayer is a common practice.
The Catechism tells us that “prayer is the life of the new heart. It ought to animate us at every moment” (CCC 2697). If Jesus is truly welcome in your home, then prayer should be central to your home life.
The Word of God should also have a special place in our homes. As St. Paul says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).
Hospitality: A Biblical Practice
The Bible often talks about hospitality. One memorable story is that of Abraham and Sarah, who welcomed three strangers into their home and were visited by God Himself as a result (Genesis 18). In the New Testament, we hear of Zacchaeus, who welcomed Jesus joyfully into his home (Luke 19:6). These stories tell us that hospitality is a way to invite Jesus into our lives and homes.
Guarding Against Worldly Influences
Our world is filled with distractions and influences that can push Jesus out of our lives. The Apostle John warns us: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15).
The Church also warns us that “man’s freedom is limited and fallible. In fact, man failed. He freely sinned” (CCC 1739). Being vigilant against worldly influences is necessary if we are to make our homes a welcome place for Jesus.
Are You Ready to Welcome Jesus?
Inviting Jesus into your home is a conscious choice that involves living according to His teachings, making room for prayer and the Word, practicing hospitality, and guarding against worldly influences. It is a way to experience God’s love, grace, and presence in our daily lives.
So, ask yourself: Is Jesus truly welcome in your home? If yes, then you’re on a beautiful journey of faith, hope, and love. If not, today is the day to open the doors of your home and your heart to Him.