Yesterday, as a symbolic entrance into the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis pushed open the Holy Door, a special door in the façade of St. Peter's Basilica, usually opened every twenty-five years to signify a Jubilee Year. Such was the case in 2000 when Pope St. John Paul II opened it for that Jubilee which concluded in 2001. This Jubilee is extraordinary, being only 15 years after the previous one. As he commented after stepping through, Pope Francis asked that we leave judgment behind and enter into mercy, in the hope that simple acts of mercy and forgiveness might yield extraordinary results. Local cathedrals will open their doors in similar fashion.
We too are called to open the closed doors of our hearts that keep us imprisoned in judgment, fear, or doubt and do not allow God's mercy to heal us, nor us to bring healing to those who might be standing locked out of our doors for some reason. This is the golden opportunity, the holy opportunity to unlock our doors, mend relationships, soften our hard hearts and allow mercy to reconcile and heal where needed. Let us pray for God's merciful grace to give us the strength to change what must be changed and make this Holy Year one that bears visible fruit.
Bro. Rene
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