Is Jesus Welcome in My Home?

Thursday 29th July 2021. Read Ex. 40:16-21;34-38, Ps. 84 & Matthew 13:47-53

 

“How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yea, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.” (Psalm 84:1-2).

The Psalmist today sings: “How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place O Lord, Mighty God.” Does it often occur to me that when I walk into a church I am actually at home? Am I able to relax knowing that God is right there?

In our first reading today, we are told: “Then the cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling. Moses could not enter the meeting tent, because the cloud settled down upon it and the glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling.”

The Israelites had the privilege of seeing the glory of God in the form of a thick cloud. If only God could open our eyes to see his glory, ascending and descending upon the tabernacle, we would not be able to contain ourselves.

As the Psalmist sings: My soul is yearning longing and yearning, waiting to be in God’s presence. A day in God’s house is better than a thousand elsewhere! I would rather dwell in the foot-mats of God’s house than have a three-bedroom suite in the devil’s mansion.

Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a net that is thrown into the river and catches both big fish and small fish. This parable is similar to that of the weeds and wheat. In the church, you have all kinds of people; those who are there to worship God and those who are there to steal, kill and destroy; those who are there to repent (and begin a new life) and those who are there to recruit souls for the devil; those who are there to better their lives and those who are there to attack, divide and cause a commotion.

Today we remember Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Three of them were special friends of Jesus who made their home holy by constantly welcoming Jesus and his disciples. Jesus loved spending time with them. Is Jesus welcome in my home?

How disappointed Mary and Martha must have felt when Lazarus was sick and they sent for Jesus but He refused to come. Little did they know that Jesus was planning something big. The fact that we are close to Jesus does not make us immune from the trials and vicissitudes of life but we rest assure that no matter what comes our way, our friendship with Jesus always pays off.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, increase my love and devotion to you. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus (Memorial). Bible Study: Ex. 40:16-21;34-38, Ps. 84 & Matthew 13:47-53).