We bless houses for the same reason that we bless anything - to restore that particular thing to its correct purpose.  When we bless something we exorcise it and reclaim it from evil powers that are present in this fallen world, restore and renew it, by the grace of God.  God created all that exists for man.  Man was created by God to offer creation back to God - as steward and manager of all that was placed in his care.  Nothing was created to be used as an end in itself.  Every created thing has its true value when it is used in reference to God.  The world is fallen because it has fallen away from the awareness that God is the Source and "Giver of every good and perfect gift."

Water is used as a vehicle for the renewal of things when they are blessed because it is the basic element created by God as a means of life and not death (This is also the reason why we are also baptized with water).  When water is blessed it does not become "supernatural" water; but it becomes what it was naturally created to be: a means of life.

And so, when the Priest comes to bless your home, it is sanctified and dedicated to rightful purposes with our own personal commitment to Christ and principles of the Christian life.  It is for this reason that all members of the household should be present to pray with the priest when he blesses your home.  We should pray that God would enlighten us to be good stewards, and to fill our home with His presence.

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