If the Walls Could Talk

" [Jesus said] 'Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.' The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover." - Mark 14:14-16

Earlier this year, we moved into a bigger house - one that has enough room for our growing family. And the first time we stepped foot into it after we signed pages and pages of paper, there was an air of excitement with our family. This is where we'll be for a long time - this is where our kids will grow up, will (among other things) forge friendships, sit awake at night nervous for tests, and celebrate their achievements in life. This house will provide the backdrop for all of these special events - both good and bad - in our lives going forward.

And while 'the upper room' may have initially been just a place to have Passover dinner, it eventually became the backdrop for the newly-formed church. In fact, the Catholic church considers this room (the "Cenacle") the very first Christian church. This is where Jesus broke bread, washed feet, and appeared with the disciples after his death. This is where Matthias was officially brought into the apostles after Judas' betrayal. This is where the tongues of fire came down upon the disciples before being sent into the world.

This room became the home for the infant church - a place to celebrate accomplishments, determine dogma, and pray to God. A place that's seen incredible happiness and grief, has heard the arguments between the apostles on what to do next, and played host to new ideas and revelations about what Jesus was preaching during his time on earth. And while it is now a place of pilgrimage, we must recognize it for what it was to the apostles - and to us.

The first, true home for all Christians.