He's in the House

Today the Catholic Church celebrates The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica.  This is the Pope's actual church in Rome.

I was reflecting on the Churches in the world as I thought about the Feast.  Churches are without a doubt some of the most beautiful buildings in the world.  Just a quick Google search will result in churches of various faith groups showing their honor to God in large spires, stained glass, statues and vast halls.  The architecture is amazing, especially when you realize that many of the churches were built 100's of years ago and may have taken a decades to complete.

But those are just buildings.  The most important thing to remember is that the Church is God's house.  In the catholic faith we believe that in the Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Jesus.  After communion, the unconsumed hosts are placed in the tabernacle and remain in the church for the next mass.  So the church is not just a building, but a dwelling place for Jesus.  While Jesus lives in the biggest and most famous Catholic Cathedrals, he also lives in the smallest Catholic community Churches.

The other place he lives is within us.  When we receive the body and blood of Christ at the mass our body becomes a small church, a tabernacle for the living God.  At that moment we are truly one with Jesus.  That's why it's important we do what we can to be ready to receive him and make our body a worthy dwelling place for the Lord.