The front door and the back door are the two access points of the human soul. The intellect, the ego, is front-facing, on the street, in public view. We adorn this door with various accessories that make our homes look inviting, yet we secure it so as to be able to make a conscious decision about who gets in. The will, our spirit, is more low-key, hidden, and out of the way. We tend to keep this door simple, and perhaps unlocked, to accommodate ease of access to the open spaces of our gardens, patios and other private enclosures. There are times in our lives, such as in the wake of a trauma, however, when we become spiritually disoriented and confused. We open the front door to whoever the heck is passing by, right off the street, without taking the time to screen their intentions, and simultaneously we barricade the back door, walling ourselves off from the beauty and freedom that remind us of our vulnerability. Our lives thus become confined to a dangerous and disorderly mental space that has no hope of transcendence. Jesus, who himself is the ultimate door (Jn 10:9), will nevertheless straighten us out. He will stand in front to keep us safe (Jn 10:11) and at the same time draw us into hidden pastures that will bring us peace (Jn 10:9). He, indeed, is the one and only guest who welcomes us home (Rev 3:20). Ave Crux, Spes Unica.
