Homily: November 16, 2022, Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time.

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The first line from today’s first reading struck me: “I, John, had a vision of an open door to heaven…”

Can you imagine that? ‘An open door to heaven’.

Isn’t that wonderful?

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the first readings of these two weeks will be taken from the book of Revelations, which is the last book of the Bible. 

The visions and revelations in this book help us contemplate on the promises of God and prepare for the glorious second coming of Christ. And to be told that at the end of time, heaven’s door will be open for us, is the best news for you and me. But is it so for everybody else?

In 2020, when covid-19 hit the world, the doors to all the churches were closed. Catholics all over the world had no access to Church or the Holy Eucharist. 

When the pandemic got very bad, many faithful died without a funeral in church, without the last rites, without final reconciliation nor holy communion. Many wondered if the church doors will ever be opened again. We waited, hoped and prayed.

It is painful to be separated from God. Like Adam and Eve when they had to leave the garden of Eden. Physical access to God was restricted. Life became suffering and it felt like forever. The Israelites waited, hoped and prayed.

Thankfully, after a few months, the doors to church opened again. But how many of us have come back? There are still many who have gotten used to being away, life without church seems fine to them, life without God’s presence seems normal to them.

Will that be the same situation when the door to heaven is open on the last day?

God has opened the door of heaven to us who accept Jesus as our Lord. God has reached out to reconcile with us through his Son, our Saviour. But how many will accept? How many will enter?

Jesus foretold, “small is the gate and narrow the door that leads to life, and those who find it are few in number.”

When Christ returns in glory, as King of the Universe, will we be ready to pray tribute to Him, by multiplying the gold coins He has given us before He left?

Will we ride with Him into eternal glory through the open door of heaven?

Or will He find us wasting our gifts away, living as if He will never return?

Christ will come. The door is open. Eternity is waiting for us. 

Amen


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