Well, I just couldn’t do it, I couldn’t get into my room where I am staying now. I had the “card” to enter, keys are long gone, and every way, every position, I just couldn’t get the door to open. I would call this an “obstacle” of entrance. I wasn’t listening to the receptionist’s explanation, which were in perfect English, no less.

Jesus has a stern warning for all of us, His followers, who have “obstacles” within door of our hearts, keeping Jesus OUTSIDE. I have a propensity to be rushed, in action and judgement, to be envious, to see the glass as “half empty”, and fear of conflict, a big one. Running away from conflict is a huge obstacle. And facing conflict with an overly judgmental reaction is an even larger one.

I have acknowledged some of my obstacles to letting Christ through the door of my heart. Advent is upon us, a season that reminds us that Jesus will come into our lives at a most unexpected time, particularly at the moment of death, a moment we will be invited to walk through that “doorway” and into eternal Redemption.

What are your own obstacles Christ is asking you to acknowledge and let go of? One magnificent breath of hope as we will breathe our final breath leads to the next “breath” in which we will face the door of Christ’s MERCY.

Walking through this door, this gateway will be more gentle without the obstacles. Even so, Christ awaits with open arms to place us on His shoulders: the Good Shepherd indeed!!!