A New Front Door

Today, we will have a new front door fitted, as part of the Diocese of Guildford's improvement programme. We are also getting a new back door! 

As neither has fitted well for years, we look forward to lower heating bills.

As usual, this illustrates the well known point that investment is needed if savings are to be made. The Diocese can afford to make these improvements, because we and other parishes pay our part of the Parish Share.

With a new Pope in post and a new Archbishop of Canterbury being 'enthroned' this week, it might be argued that both organisations have a new front door. Certainly, the media are making much of the new style and approach that both men bring to their roles. If the new front door is attractive and appealing, it might well be that more people will approach and enter the institution.

Jesus described himself as a door, when trying to explain his role to confused crowds. 'Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.' (John 10.7-10)

There may be some things which we may find difficult to understand in our life of faith and discipleship. But this one is very simple and clear. Coming to God through Jesus is the sure way to find spiritual life and hope. All other options will end up ruining our lives. There is an enemy of our souls, who intends, by any means to ruin us. Being aware of that should sharpen our desire to help people discover Jesus for themselves.

I trust you have found the right front door, and that you are helping others find, in Jesus, the one and only front door into eternity.

Best wishes,

Richard