Door

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Door

Faith/Knock   Open

Practice   New   Commandment

Love For One Another

Disciple

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scriptures:  Acts of the Apostles 14:27

Paul and Barnabas were travelling to many cities proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. They came to Antioch and told everyone what God had accomplished and how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

John 13:34 

As Jesus was talking to the apostles at the Last Supper, He said: "I give you a new commandment, to love one another as I have loved you."

Reflection

How do you feel when someone opens a door for you?

Sometimes we are surprised. We just were not expecting an act of kindness.

Sometimes we are touched by the caring such an act displays. It leads us to consider that there are many fine people in the world.

Sometimes it leads us to reciprocate and hold the door open for someone else. The circle of love enlarges.

In our reading from The Acts of the Apostles, it is God who is opening the door. Paul and Barnabas would always go first to the Jewish community to share the Good News of Jesus. They found that the Gentiles also wanted to hear the Gospel. God opened the door for them.

In our reading from John, it is Jesus who is opening the door for the apostles. He tells them that love is the way to live. He challenges us to love as He loves. This new commandment will open the door of discipleship for us. We will be truly following Jesus when we have love for each person we meet.

This might sound impossible for us because Jesus displayed so much love. He even forgave those who crucified Him. How can we have that much love?

We can love as Jesus loved when we open the door of our hearts and let Jesus in. Then we let Jesus direct our actions because we are living with Him. Jesus has promised to be with us and to support us. He is ready to open every door for us.

It is our turn now.

Do we want to go through the door that Jesus is opening for us?

1. When is the last time you can remember someone opening a door for you?

2. How did you feel?

3. How do you try to love as Jesus loves?

4. What doors has Jesus opened for you?

5. What do you feel as you contemplate Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)