Living the "Host Life"

Have you ever had the life that Christ lives among us described to you as “the host life”? Last Sunday, one of our priests said just that as he talked about the love that Christ has for us and the life that he lives to show us this love in our world today. It is also the life that we should be living to show our love for others and for Him in return.

The “host life” is a life that is quiet, humble, and one that doesn’t look all that appealing or interesting on the outside. It’s pretty remarkable that God Himself chose to live among us like this, knowing that many would reject Him yet not forcing them to accept or love Him. He traps Himself in a tiny, white host as a prisoner of love, still loving those who don’t accept Him and simply waiting for them in the tabernacle. He comes out to unite Himself with those who do love and accept Him and to give them the graces needed to continue showing His love to the world. On the outside, it looks to be just a tiny piece of bread, but in reality it’s the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, our God and our Savior.

We are called to live the host life as well, living a hidden life in union with Christ, humbling ourselves to evangelize to the world, but not look to win arguments or force others to accept our message. We must simply say our peace and then lead by example, praying for them and leaving the rest to the Holy Spirit. Our lives should be ones that don’t look all that exciting on the outside, but on the inside we are filled with the riches, graces, and joys that come from knowing Jesus. We must be a “host” to the Holy Spirit. We should surround ourselves with Godly people who share our faith and values, while still being kind and open to the ones who don’t, simply waiting for them to return just as Jesus does. The host life can be difficult and sometimes uncomfortable, but it is definitely rewarding and it will ultimately lead us and others to heaven.