INN: When Joseph knocked at the inn of Bethlehem, seeking a room where Mary could give birth to Christ, he was told that the inn was full. So he was turned away. The inns were the hotels of former times. While they housed some long-term guests, most people stayed only for a short time. Like most large hotels, inns provided both room and food, for pay, of course. Jesus wants to come and dwell in our hearts. He wants to make our hearts His home. But if our hearts are full of transitory goals and activities, we can fit Jesus in sometimes, when other cares subside, but we don't have room or time to host Him continuously. A Rule of Life, like that of the Confraternity of Penitents, creates permanent space for Christ in our hearts and in our lives. A Rule of Life helps to make our souls homes for Christ instead of temporary residences. Lord, do I entertain you in my soul always or do I let other occupations and things push You out? Grant me the desire to make my soul Your permanent abode, and then give me the grace and the means to make that happen. Amen.
