No stranger had to spend the night in the street,
for my door was always open to the traveller (Job 31,32).

Our family home has a door. An open door is an invitation: Come in, have a seat, feel at home here! A closed door makes us a bit curious: What is behind the door? Should I knock? Should I enter?

Sometimes, for a family, it is important to consciously close the door of our home. Any influence, any opinion from the street, that could harm our family, should not gain entry into our home. Our own private family matters and events belong in the intimate sphere of our family life, and are for us alone. A closed door, can bring security and well-being.

Sometimes, for a family, our door is wide open. Families can do something for God and have an influence on their streets and neighbourhoods. The open door means that people are welcome in our house and they are welcome to share our atmosphere and be touched by our family life. Jesus is here, our Blessed Mother is here – so we are in good company!

As a family, we don’t have to live our faith through many words, or major activities. We live our family through everyday family life. All the little, ordinary family events become signs of love. In this way, the love of Jesus Christ can flow through us into our street and neighbours. Our home is indeed a holy place.

What you can do as a family

Mary – who was pregnant with Jesus – and Joseph once had many doors closed in their faces when they searched for a shelter in Bethlehem. Today, Jesus searches again for homes and hearts, where the door is open and a warm welcome is offered. Every Christian family can be a place of evangelisation, by just being a family that knows and believes that their home is holy through God’s presence and activity. Our hope is, that every family can be a “door” to God for others.