In Jesus' time there were no parishes, just private homes (and of course, the synagogues). And these homes defined the social order of the day geographically (as is prevalent even today in most parts of the world). Jesus to convey his message had no boundaries and so any home with the possibility of sowing the seeds of the Kingdom was fine with him. But this did not go well with those in authority and perhaps everyone. He went in and out of houses, for various reasons, houses belonging to the apostles (simple fisher folk), the tax collectors ('traitors'), Pharisees (religious leaders), friends (Lazarus), Chief Priests ...
However, once the Church was established and the Parish structure stabilised, Jesus has been held captive! Neither is he permitted to visit 'other' houses (and I certainly do not mean other parishes, but any house where his presence could make a difference) nor do we move out ourselves. This could very well be applied to every Christian institution. The very structure we built to widen our reach has become our prison.
However, once the Church was established and the Parish structure stabilised, Jesus has been held captive! Neither is he permitted to visit 'other' houses (and I certainly do not mean other parishes, but any house where his presence could make a difference) nor do we move out ourselves. This could very well be applied to every Christian institution. The very structure we built to widen our reach has become our prison.
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