# Open the Door: Embracing Scripture in Lent
*2016-02-18*

> Bill Young reflects on the call of Revelation 3:20 to open our hearts to Christ and explains why careful, prayerful study of Scripture is essential during Lent.

## The Invitation of Revelation

Bill begins with the words of Revelation 3:20: “Listen, I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you.” He reminds us that this image of Christ at the door is a call to personal conversion, especially appropriate for the first week of Lent.

## Why Scripture Must Be a Doorway

The episode draws from the Lenten booklet *Renew Our Hearts*, Pope Francis’ invitation to a conversion of heart. Bill stresses that the study of Sacred Scripture should be a door opening for every believer. The revealed Word enhances our ability to pass on the faith and demands familiarity, serious and ongoing study, both individually and in community.

## A Humble Attitude Toward the Word

Bill describes the proper posture for reading the Bible: humility that recognizes God’s Word is always beyond us. We are not its masters but its guardians, heralds, and servants. This humility is expressed by studying Scripture with great care and holy fear, lest we “destroy” its meaning by careless reading.

## Practical Tips for Careful Reading

To truly encounter the riches of Scripture, Bill advises patience: set aside other concerns, give the text our full time, interest, and attentive focus. He warns against seeking quick, easy, or immediate results, which reduces the Bible to a mere tool rather than a living Word.

## A Prayer for Deeper Discovery

He concludes with a simple prayer: “Jesus, help me discover the riches of your message hidden in the Scriptures.” This prayer encapsulates the episode’s goal—to open the door of our hearts and let Christ enter through diligent, reverent study.

*Opening the door to Christ means approaching Scripture with humility, patience, and prayerful attention.*