A Knock at the Door

A week ago we were celebrating Easter and I watched Pope Francis wish everyone a Happy Easter and although frail we saw him move amongst the crowds to be with the people.

A week later on Saturday morning, I was staying with friends. We sat together and watched the funeral for Pope Francis. 

He was an extraordinary global leader. Over the past week I have read and listened to many stories of his life and ministry.

On of my favourite stories took place during the conclave that would eventually elect him. During that time he offered a short reflection upon the familiar image of Jesus standing and knocking at the door. He reflected that the traditional interpretation is that Jesus is knocking to be admitted with the offer to come into our hearts and enter our lives. 

But he offered a different reflection. What if Jesus is knocking to invite us to come out instead, to join him in the world outside? 

He went on to be selected as the next Pope and the white smoke went up. 

Pope Francis went on to serve the world and live his life by sharing that same invitation with everyone he met. He called the church to come out and join Jesus at work in the world. He told stories and lived them out.

Later on Saturday a powerful picture was released to the news wires of President Trump and President Zelensky both sitting on chairs in St Peters Basilica facing each other and talking. 

A picture that spoke a thousand words taken on this day, in this sacred space, both leaders coming to be part of an act of worship and thanksgiving. All of us hoping and praying that peace can come in the places where war rages and that justice can be done.

Here is Pope Francis' own prayer for peace. Let’s pray this prayer and take this with us into our week, as we open the door and go out into the world to reach out to others and be the bringers of peace. 

“Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried… But our efforts have been in vain.

Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: "Never again war!"; "With war everything is lost". Instil in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace.”

~Pope Francis