How do we build a holy home, an oasis of safety in a troubled world?
In the deliverance and exorcism ministry, sacramentals are a staple! We see time and time again the efficacy and power of the sacred against the malevolent forces of evil. One of the most significant examples of this was the consistent feedback received from our clients after the house blessings provided by the SMC priests and deacons. The demonic harassment was significantly tempered, and a sense of peace overshadowed the home. We all strive for and desire this in our own homes. Here are a few suggestions by which to invite Jesus to reign in your home.
Interior designers use a term “line of vision” to describe setting a tone for a room. By directing one’s eye to holy things, it helps to inspire us by its order, beauty, and message. The home is sacred ground. It is an oasis from the noise of the world, the flesh, and the devil. When you walk through your home, wherever your eye is taken, there should be a reminder that we have entered this oasis.
Enthronement of your home to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is another way to intentionally claim the protection and reign of Jesus Christ over your home and family. You are telling the enemy that you have not only “swept clean and put in order your home” (Mt 16:44) but you desire to fill it with faith, hope and love and the mighty presence of God. Should the enemy come looking for shelter in your home, he and his friends will find no vacancy! Many people, myself included, enthrone the home to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during the same ceremony. The Knights of Columbus have a wonderful Enthronement booklet you can download for free HERE.
The annual Epiphany Blessing is another wonderful tradition to add to your family life. During the season of Christmas, we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, Jesus’ manifestation to the whole world. With the Epiphany letters inscribed above the entrance of your home you have created a line of vision message - may all who enter this home find Christ’s light and love.
Holy art adorning the walls is also another wonderful way to move our hearts to think of the things of heaven, as well as placing a crucifix throughout the home so we can be reminded of God’s great love and sacrifice for us. To set our eyes on images that strengthen our faith and provide hope after a long and stressful day can be just what the Divine Physician orders to calm our interior, slow down the intrusive thoughts in our heads and push back the noise of the world.
And last but by no means least, every home should have a Holy Water font. I have two in my house. One at the door and one within the heart of the home. Did you know that the Sign of the Cross is a profession of faith in God as He has revealed himself and serves as an abbreviated form of the Apostles' Creed? Its roots trace back to the time of the Apostles. St. Teresa of Avila famously shared: “From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight…whenever I take it, my soul feels a most notable consolation.”
In a holy home, our Domestic Church, when we incorporate these practices, we find ourselves protected beneath the armor of God so that we may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil (Eph 6:11), claiming the promises and victory of Jesus, who professed that the gates of hell will never prevail!
-Gina Witt
