Are We…Like a Doorway?
what is A doorway?
A doorway may be thought of as an entry point, an accessible passage, or a clear opening. This playlist explores both opened doors and closed doors relating to the spiritual life.
the door for the sheep
Prepare yourself to read the scripture by watching this video.
|
Read John 10:1-10
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them. 7 So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and [a]have it abundantly. (NAS) |
Reflection on the Scripture
As “the door” Jesus made it explicitly clear, he is the only means of coming home to God. He is the only way one can become part of the people of God. There is no other way. When you go through “the door,” you are home, able to go “in and out” (10:9), where you find an abundant life, complete with fullness and freedom. What an incredible metaphor! Especially for a beggar who found himself alone and in need of a home. Many of us spend our entire life searching for this. Either by choosing the wrong door, or when we find that what was promised is not what was delivered. Today, we can walk through the door that Jesus has opened to us. He not only gave his life for us, but gives his life to us right now. (Emphasis added.) Source: thecrossing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Come-See_Book_Week-8-I-AM.pdf |
In your life…
In what ways have you been able to access God in your life? When have you encountered barriers that hindered your access to the sacred, and what were they? How have you helped others gain access to the sacred? Reflect on this quote and let it bless you: There are people whose presence is encouraging… The sense of encouragement you feel from them is not simply their words or gestures; it is rather their whole presence enfolding you and helping you find the concealed door. –John O’Donohue (Rupp, p.28) In your faith community… What is our faith community doing to provide an entry point for those who may be searching for a place to encounter God? How wide open is our welcome of others? What unconscious barriers might there be to hinder accessibility to the sacred? Reflect on this quote as a faith community and let it inspire you. Approach this new door with great confidence in your heart, for you have so much to offer. Open each new door with trust, holding your dreams very near… knowing the world is waiting for the goodness and the love you carry within you. –M.E. Miro (Rupp, p.163) (Source: Rupp, Joyce. Open the Door: A Journey to the True Self . Sorin Books, 2008.) |
Experience the door
Stand in front of a closed door for a few minutes.
|