1. A time of reflection at the start of the Holy Year of Mercy

2. In Advent we recall the Coming of Jesus into the world in history. We look ahead to his Coming at the end of time…as Jesus foretold during his earthly life. We recognise that Jesus comes to us in every moment of every day and says…

3. It is clear that this door has not been opened in a long, long time. The weeds are thick… and dead…

4. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to them, and will sit with them, and they with Me". Revelation 3: 20

5. An image of the Holy Year of Mercy is the open door – the Door of Mercy – open to all … but our reflection invites us to begin by thinking about a closed door…

6. But, if we look closely, we can see that they were, at one time, grasses and flowers – full of life and beauty

7. But time has passed and what was alive is now dead – and dry – a tangle of stems and empty seed heads.

8. Where have the “flowers” and living grasses of my life become dead and dry and empty? What about in our school community?

9. Jesus brings light to the world. Jesus is the Word who gives a light to our path. How does Jesus bring light to my life?

10. But Jesus does not force his light – or his presence on anyone He knocks – and he waits… What does the idea of Jesus’ courtesy mean to me? That he knocks – and waits – for me?

11. The door itself has no handle… It can only be opened from the inside. What stops me fully opening the door of my life to Jesus? What stops people ‘opening their doors’ to the Lord?

12. In this Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis will open a “Holy Door” – a Door of Mercy Around the world, other “Holy Doors of Mercy” will be opened to welcome sinners and all in need of mercy… The door is open…

13. Around the world, other “Holy Doors of Mercy” will be opened How can I prepare to walk through it to meet the God of Mercy who waits for me? How can I help others to clear away the weeds and things that get in their way so that they can walk through the Door of Mercy – to Mercy?

14. The Light of the World (painting) The Light of the World (1851–3) is an allegorical painting by William Holman Hunt representing the figure of Jesus preparing to knock on an overgrown and long-unopened door, illustrating Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sit with him, and he with Me".