Lent is the time to knock the door of ones heart/Life

Gospel Thoughts

*Lent : Second Week: Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 7:7-12*

*First Reading - Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25*

*Lent is the time to knock the door of ones heart/Life*

*One who knocks, the door will be opened*

*1) Importance of the Door and opening the Door*

Door is an important instrument, which either safeguards something or it closes the entry into something

Since door gives entry into something, it has a special significance and meaning when it is applied to the spiritual realm

So spiritually opening up of the door becomes very important, because it gives entry into something holy and divine sphere

*2) The arrival of the bridegroom, opening of the door and closing of the door*

We have a beautiful parable of 10 virgins. Five wise and five foolish 

Wise virgins were ready when the bridegroom came, and they entered along with the bridegroom to the wedding feast. Then the door was closed 

Once it was closed the other foolish virgins could not enter into the wedding feast, since the door was closed. 

So we know how important the aspect of door and its function in our lives 

*3) Life is with Door*

Our life can be considered as building which has beautiful doors 

In order to enter into the different aspects of life we need to enter through the doors 

Unless we go through these doors we can't enter into our life

*4) Lent is a time to open the door of our life*

There are two aspects in our life. The spiritual aspect and the bodily (Flesh) aspect. 

Between these two aspects there is a door which guards our spiritual life 

Since lent is a time to enter into this spiritual or deeper self we need to open the door which is connecting the spiritual sphere 

For this we need to knock the door. 

*5) How to knock the Door*

We need to follow the certain aspects while knocking the door. 

We need the following knocks for the door to be opened

Use the knock of humility, 

Use the knock of forgiveness

Use the knock of love 

Use the knock of simplicity

Use the knock of prayer 

Use the knock of generosity

Use the knock of sacrifice

Use the knock of faithfulness

Use the knock of repentance

Use the knock of genuineness

Use the knock of trust and hope

Use the knock of smile 

Use the knock of adjustability

Use the knock of courage 

All these knocks on the door will definitely help to open it and to enter into a special sphere of life.

*6) The effect of the Door being opened*

When the door gets opened through various above knocks we will be benefited in multiple ways 

We will receive the multiple blessings of the Lord 

We will receive the everlasting mercy of the Lord 

We will experience the unconditional Love of the Lord 

We will be eligible for the ever lasting life

We will witness the heavenly peace and divine experience

We will see the beauty and depth of our spiritual life 

These are the various benefits when the door opens for us 

*7) What about my life?*

Am I in a position to knock the door with above mentioned things? At least few of them in my life 

Or am I tightening the door still more, through my evil ways, making it impossible to open, thus not allowing myself to the greater spiritual benefits from the Lord 

What can I do to open the door of my life, door of my heart, door of my mind, doors of my eyes, ears and tongue? 

Unless we open it we can not enter or receive anything

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*