When the Lord knocks at our door, are we ready to let Him in? God offers each of us an open door to His kingdom but, sometimes, we ourselves close it. Jesus proclaimed that He is the door (John 10:8-9) and the way (John 14:6) that makes it possible to access Heaven. Jesus also laments as he issues a stern warning. He was angry at religious leaders because they misled the people. Oaths were binding but the Pharisees found clever ways to evade the obligation to their oaths. They forgot that God hears everything we say and knows what we do and why we do it.
How often have we made promises like we will not eat meat as a sacrifice for Lent and then, when the situation presents itself, say it’s all right to eat the beef because we did a good deed or went to mass on that day?
How can we shut the door of God’s kingdom in our lives by closing our ears to Jesus? The Lord wants to dwell with us and to bring us His kingdom. God’s kingdom is present in all who seek Him and do His will. Do we pray as Jesus has taught, “Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10)?
Lord, your word is life to us. Help us not to close the door to your kingdom through disobedience, disbelief or indifference. Help us to listen to your voice and conform our lives more fully to your word.
