THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH HOUSES

 

We will see a steady stream of speakers about the lack of affordable houses in Canada. There are not enough houses for the peoples/families that need them! In Vancouver and Toronto young people cannot afford to live (the rent is just too high).

 

Every human being needs a dwelling. They need a place to be safe (protected), a place to prepare and eat their meals and a safe place to sleep every night. Housing is a strong a need as clean water is for our bodies.

 

Now, where does God live? Hang his hat?

 

God wants to make his home within the human heart. God wants to make his home in each human being. People may be very respectful of the presence of God inside our church buildings, in the reserved sacrament in the tabernacle and in the elements used in the sacraments. But there can be a complete absence of the sense that God is present and wants to make his home within us.

 

This means that when we gather for prayer the first place of reverence for the presence of God is within our fellow believer. Up to this point we may never have been alerted to the sacred presence of God within the other. Our awareness of God’s presence must develop so that we sense the presence of God in the other. There are many consequences that flow from this when we look around in our church communities and recognize that God is present and active in people who are so different from ourselves.

 

If God makes his home within us, we do not have a passive house guest. This is not some fat, lazy house cat that just wants to be feed. God within us is a restless God. At times, he will be very demanding. And this restless resident may make some very heavy demands on us.

 

He may become the pain of conscience when we choose not to bring respect to people who are different from us, whether that be difference of culture, race, religious identity or sexuality. The presence of God is the first anti-racist movement in society and it happens in our own soul. If you listen! And the listening may be very demanding!

 

The presence of God within us may move us to significant acts of charity. This restless spirit may prod you to take time to visit your ancient aunt in the nursing home. Her family does not seem to care that much. You are being moved to take her hand, hold it with care. All the while, she does not recognize nor remember you. You are bringing moments of human kindness to this wonderful human being. She does not speak. There is no thank-you. But the spirit of God living with you have brought you to this wonderful act of human warm.

 

One of your fellow employees must sharpen his tongue every morning so that he can speak some critical and hurtful things about other human beings. He is not pleasant to be around but you have to work with him eight hours a day. The God who lives within you may give you the courage to clearly confront him and his offensive mouth with “I don’t think that is true.” “Would you like anyone to say such negative things like you have just said?”

 

The presence of God is not pussy-footing but can be very clear and direct. Who said that God was always nice?

 

Spend  a little time reflecting on the home that God has made in your heart and what it means for you daily life.