Two Doors

   “I’ve had choices since the day that I was born.  There were voices that told me right from wrong.”  ("Choices" – lyrics by Billy Yates and Mike Curtis)

   From our youth we’ve had choices to make.  As a child our parents made many of those choices for us, trying to help us learn to make the right choices in life.  Sadly, some parents had made the wrong choices in their own lives so helping their children make the right ones was difficult at best.

   As we grew older, we had other guidance in our lives.  Some of our friends helped us make right choices, pointing out the risks and dangers possible in our decisions.  Others encouraged us to ignore those perils and make the choice that best suited what we wanted at the time with no thought to the future.

   Somewhere along the line most of us were given spiritual choices as well as the everyday choices of life.  Some, like me, knew virtually nothing of the spiritual life as a child.  As an adult I found God through my wife.  By going to Mass with her she, in many ways, led me to Jesus and the mercy and forgiveness of His love.  I am very blessed and thankful for her influence in my life.

   There will always be choices to make.  If we rely upon friends and even family, we may at times be led astray and wander into dangerous spiritual territory.  By testing our choices through the Word of God we have a much greater chance of choosing the path that will lead us to our place with God.

   It’s sometimes like the game shows we see on television.  We are faced with two doors and we must choose one for our prize.  Behind one is a fabulous gift, behind the other disappointment.  If we listen to the crowds, we risk choosing based on earthly priorities and concerns leading to disappointment in eternity.  If we seek the voice and guidance of God, we can choose the correct door and enter the blessed joy of heaven.

There are so many choices Lord,

How do we know which to choose?

Help us to look for your guidance in all things.

Help us choose the door that leads to you.

Amen