Each of us is looking for a home; for a place where we can be safe and secure, accepted and affirmed. This constant search takes on various forms. Some expend all their energies on the pursuit of material riches and success. Some seek gratification in cultivating the good opinions of others. Yet others hope to find their happiness in certain significant persons in their lives. All too often, however, these efforts leave us disappointed and dissatisfied.

The more enlightened among us, remembering that our happiness lies ultimately in God, become involved in more religious pursuits. But even here, we find our efforts tainted by egoism. Focusing too much on our private prayer and our own projects, we easily lose sight of the God for whom we seek.

"If you make my word your home, you will indeed be my disciples ¡K" This is a word of consolation for us. It reminds us that our search need not be in vain, if only we look to Christ. But it is also a word of challenge, for Christ's word includes, "Forgive your enemies ¡KTake up your cross everyday ¡K I was thirsty ¡K in prison¡K naked ¡K" Making Jesus' word our home, can be very uncomfortable and inconvenient. Like the three young men in the Book of Daniel, we might feel as though we are being thrown into a fiery furnace. And yet, Jesus invites us to hold firm and to hope in Him. He will lead us home.