Everyone is familiar with the story in Genesis 17 about how God appeared to an aged Abram, and his wife, Sarai. God changed their names to Abraham and Sarah. He also told them in one year they were to have a son and to name him Isaac. Sarah had been barren but God promised Abraham an heir, an offspring. Everything changed for them at that moment of personal encounter with God. They would never be the same!

In Genesis 18, we read the account of this same elderly couple, Abraham and Sarah, as they were visited by three men. The story, paraphrased, indicates Abraham invited them to stay, relax, and be refreshed. Sarah prepared a cake or bread while the meat was being roasted for a big meal. Cool water is offered and their feet are washed. At the end of several hours and a satisfying meal, one of the three men prophesied that Sarah would have a child when they return the same time next year. God has certainly made His point, hasn’t He?

Fast forward hundreds of years to the nineteenth chapter of Luke’s Gospel. We read that Zacchaeus had to climb a sycamore tree to see Jesus because he was not very tall. His perch in the tree gave him a bird’s-eye view, you could say. Zacchaeus was invited to come down from the tree. He received Jesus into his home and may well have reclined for a meal with Him. Before departing, Jesus said, ”… this day salvation has come to this house…”. All because Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home. He and his family would never be the same!

We have all seen the painting of Jesus standing outside a closed door. There is no door latch on the door. The inscription at the bottom of the painting reads, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock… “(Rev3:20). The visual is very interesting and provokes much thought!

Before receiving Holy Communion, we pray these words, “ Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof….”. This is our opportunity to open the door and say to Jesus, “Come in, please, that I might give you a place to rest; a place to stay; a place to call your very own”.

During the synodal emphasis on the Body and Blood of Christ…The Eucharist… may Christ’s Church, globally and individually, be purified, sanctified, and rendered like unto His very own Sacred Heart.

Come in, please!