On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door.
Mk. 1:29-33
“Today we consecrate a sanctuary, not a church.” Several years ago I had the privilege of attending the consecration of the first Catholic Church built in Cuba since the beginning of the Castro regime. While I learned many things during my visit to the non-tourist side of Cuba, I left most impressed with the Church of Cuba. In the Diocese of Pinar del Rio the church exists in the homes of Catholics. It is in the homes of the faithful that the faith is first professed, in the homes of faithful where neighbors are invited for bible studies, in the homes of the laity Christ is first introduced to a people who have been misinformed of Him.
Jesus desires to work from the homes of His followers. He set up shop in the home Simon—it became the first “Casa de Mision” or “House of Mission.” Make your home into a place where the Church lives and resides. Invite friends over for community, prayer, and fellowship. Invite Christ into your own home and allow the Church to be alive there. If the people of Pinar del Rio can courageously live the Gospel, so can we.
How might my home become a place of evangelization for my neighbors?
Jesus, come into my home in such a way that others might encounter you here.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did you know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered the seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination, he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
