Opening Wide the Doors!

The parishes that I serve have been doing some updating, work projects that have needed to be done for some time. One of the parishes is receiving a new front door. As I was standing there watching the people work and the big open space where the old doors once stood, I could not help but think about the call that brought us into the new millenium, "Open Wide the Doors to Christ!" Blessed John Paul II used that theme and it is still appropriate for our times. Our churches are a house of prayer. It is the place where we gather each week to be fed by God's Word and nourished with our Lord's Body and Blood. At the conclusion of Mass we are told to go forth, to love and serve the Lord and one another. In other words, open wide the doors to Christ in everything you do and in all the people you meet. Jesus tells us to not be afraid. Even when he got in the boat with the disciples he said, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" We cannot be afraid to live our faith in the world, in our very communities. We need to be strong, dedicated, faithful, determined disciples of Jesus Christ. The mission of the church is entrusted to us and we need to do our part as we build up the Kingdom of God in our midst. What I saw today is a literal opening of the doors, material doors, but just think what we can do as we open the doors of faith and open wide the doors to Christ. Blessings to you!!!