Luke 13:18-35

Three loud knocks resounded from the main door of the Cathedral and echoed in the ears of the 750 people waiting to give their new bishop a warm welcome into their Christian community and to recognize him as their 'chief pastor'.

It is an ancient ceremony played out over many centuries, where people exercise their right to elect the one to lead the Church in their geographical area (called a diocese), and then pledge their prayers and support to the one chosen.

The door is the entrance into a building but also into a new era, a new time, a new direction an a renewed commitment to Christ and His Gospel.

The Bishop, later in the worship, would speak about doors... doors which are opened or being opened, as well as doors which are being shut.

Jesus speaks in today's readings about 'the narrow door', and encourages us to do our best to 'go in through the narrow door'. Many people will want to go through the narrow door, but will not get through. They want to, but cannot, probably because they are carrying too much baggage. Something like wanting your cake and eating it too, or wanting change 'for everything else but not for me'.

The narrow door only allows you to enter. Your status, your race, your sexuality, your wealth, your good deeds, etc. cannot squeeze through the narrow door to salvation. The hymn writer who penned, "just as I am, I come" captured the essence of the narrow door message.

One of my favourite stained glass windows is Jesus knocking at the door, wanting to be admitted into people's lives. Maybe that is what the Bishop wanted when he knocked on the door of the Cathedral. Neither can enter unless the recipients give permission.

Maybe, we can enter the narrow door only when we decide that we want what is on the other side.

Question: Have you responded to God knocking on the door to your life?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 14:1-34

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)