During an earthquake, a jailer was about to commit suicide (Acts 16:27). Paul and Silas stopped the jailer, who took them home. "They proceeded to announce the word of God to him and to everyone in his house" (Acts 16:32). Then "he led them up into his house" (Acts 16:34). The house is the place to receive salvation.
Before the conversion of the jailer and his family, Paul and Silas converted Lydia. "After she and her household had been baptized, she extended us an invitation: 'If you are convinced that I believe in the Lord, come and stay at my house' " (Acts 16:15). After Paul and Silas were released from prison, "the two first made their way to Lydia's house" (Acts 16:40). The house is the place of conversion, healing, and community.
When Jesus sent out His apostles to proclaim God's kingdom, He commanded them: "Stay at whatever house you enter and proceed from there" (Lk 9:4). After the first Christian Pentecost, those filled with the Holy Spirit broke bread, that is, celebrated the Eucharist, in their homes (Acts 2:46). The house is the base for establishing God's kingdom and the heart of Christian community.
Let the risen Christ make your house the place to be.
| PRAYER: | Father, make my house a domestic church. |
| PROMISE: | "It is much better for you that I go. If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you, whereas if I go, I will send Him to you." –Jn 16:7 |
| PRAISE: | Twice monthly for the last several decades, Victoria hosts her home-based community prayer meeting in her home. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College