What's your opinion?

 

Traditionally, the way I have reflected on the popular picture of Jesus knocking at the door, comes from the Book of Revelation, Chapter 3, Verse 20:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me."

I recently came across another way to look at this on the internet, which is attributed to Pope Francis.

It has been said that as a Cardinal at the conclave before he was elected Pope, he reversed the traditional way of looking at this picture, inviting us to consider that Jesus is knocking on the door, asking us to come out into the world with him. Since "going out" was a typical theme of Francis, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if this were true.

I've often pondered the doorknob in this picture. Is it hidden? Missing? Why? What might that symbolism imply?

I really like the interpretation that has Jesus inviting us outward, since I am rather steeped in evangelization. The question, of course, is will we not only open the door to him, but will we accept his invitation and daringly go out of our house and embrace his call.

Will you open your door and invite Jesus in to dine with you, or will you keep your door closed and stay closed-up inside.

Will you open your door, and, stepping out into the unknown, trust him to be with you, wherever you are sent?

How do you interpret this picture?

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy