Today's readings describe sacred places. Jesus wants each one of us to be built into a spiritual house. Christ desires to be our foundation stone, a steady base amidst the struggles and turmoil of life. Some people may view religion as cold and lifeless, like an ordinary stone. Yet we know that Jesus is a living stone, interacting with us and calling us to greater life.

Jesus tells us that in his Father's house there are many dwelling places and that he is going to prepare a place for us. Yet how do we arrive there? In John's Gospel, Jesus encourages his friends to follow his commands, to love others, and to simply spend time or abide with him. When we do this, we allow Jesus to build us up....we allow Jesus to slowly draw us into his own relationship with his Father. This is the best place to be.

There are many ways to abide with Christ. We can read Scripture, pray set prayers, converse with Jesus or just be with Christ in the silence and simply let him love us.

In this place, we can hear his voice and he hears our voice. In this place we can taste the eternal home Jesus has prepared for us. The way to the Father is Jesus himself.