At Home With Jesus

Jan. 1, 2026

Like so many in the Gospels, Catholic families today are invited to open wide their doors to Christ’s presence

By Allan Wright

Jan. 1, 2026

Supper at Emmaus (oil on canvas) by Rembrandt (1606-1669) (Photo Josse / Bridgeman Images)

Few things stir the imagination more than pondering what it must have been like to walk with Jesus along the bustling streets of Jerusalem or on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Yet, upon reading the Gospels we discover that much of his ministry takes place in homes. In fact, the word “home” is used 30 times in the Gospels and “house” 99 times.

Consider a few stories that take place in simple Middle Eastern homes: Mary sings her Magnificat in the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth (Lk 1:46-55). The Wise Men find the child Jesus with Mary and Joseph in a house (Mt 2:11). Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners at Matthew’s home (Mt 9:9-13) and institutes the Eucharist in a borrowed house (Mt 26:17-30). After the Resurrection, the disciples’ eyes are opened in a house in the village of Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35).

Just as Jesus spent much of his time teaching, healing, forgiving and sharing meals in the home, so too can our “domestic church” become a central place where our family experiences the person and love of Christ. The Church teaches that “parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2223). More specifically, mothers and fathers must be recognized as their children’s “primary and principal educators,” with a duty to “create a family atmosphere animated by love and respect for God and man” (Gravissimum Educationis, 3).

Parents are not only called to teach the faith, but to embody it — in part by affirming acts of service and charity, and by making prayer a priority and a visible part of daily life. Set aside a regular time to pray with your spouse and children. Practical aids might include creating a “prayer corner” or dedicating a “prayer bowl,” inviting family members to add intentions that can be prayed together at bedtime. Celebrate baptismal anniversaries and feast days of favorite saints with a special dinner and dessert. When grocery shopping, let your children help pick out items for the parish food pantry. Offer a blessing with holy water before your kids head out the door.

Don’t wait for perfect conditions to begin. Start with one small act of love, prayer or service. God will use it all.

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ALLAN WRIGHT serves as executive director of the New Jersey Family Policy Center and is the author of Parenting Day by Day (Catholic Book Publishing, 2025). A member of St. Damien Council 6575 in Stirling, N.J., he lives with his family in nearby Basking Ridge.

At Home With Jesus

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