The next window on the north side of our church is inspired by Revelations 3. "The Amen"--Jesus--has just said, "I know yur works: you are neither cold not hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth!"
A few versus later Jesus goes on to say, "Those whom I love, I reprove and chasten; so be zealous and repent.
Then in verse 20, He invites all of His followers to have a closer relationship with Him. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with Me.
The verses and our window give us much to think about, don't they? Are we among the lukewarm? Do we really repent of our sinfulness and thus change our ways? Do we really strive to be enthusiastically devoted to Jesus? To be zealous?How might the truly devoted, truly zealous act? Do they pray daily? Do they read God's Word? Do they go to Confession frequently, not only to gain forgiveness but also the grace to resist future temptations? Do they honor the Sabbath with faithful Mass attendance? Do they attend Bible studies to learn more about the faith? As parents do they strive to instill the faith in their children by setting examples in these ways and also by family prayer, by discussing homilies after Mass, by reading and discussing the lives of the saints or other religious works? As business people, are they honest in their dealings with others? As employees or students, do they strive to do their best with the gifts God has given them? As family members, friends neighbors, and members of communities, are they caring and generous and forgiving?.......
There is much to think about as we try to be zealous, rather than lukewarm followers of Our Lord, isn't it?
If we look once more at our window, we will notice that there is no door handle on Jesus' side. Thus we realize that Jesus is telling us it is up to us to listen for His voice, open our hearts, and let Him into our lives. If we do, He says, we will enjoy the heavenly banquet together. How awesome!
