The Two Front Doors

“Welcome back, dear friend.
We are in Day 24 of Advent and you are on
Tiny Advent Parables with Fr. Dominic —
the grace of forgiveness.”

“This story takes place on a quiet street…
between two neighbors who had stopped speaking.”

“Two neighbors lived side by side for years —
sharing cups of tea,
garden tools,
and small conversations.
But one misunderstanding
led to silence.
Weeks passed.
Then months.
The bond that once felt easy
now felt impossible.

One cold morning,
the younger neighbor stepped outside
and saw a small welcome mat
placed in front of his door.
A simple note sat on top:
‘If you ever want to talk…
my door is open.’

He looked toward the other house.
There — in front of the older neighbor’s door —
was another welcome mat,
facing toward him.
Two doors.
Two invitations.
Two hearts
quietly stepping toward peace
without saying a word.”

“Forgiveness does not always begin with speeches.
Sometimes it begins
with a small mat,
a tiny gesture,
a silent sign that says,
‘I am willing.’

Advent is the season
when God places a welcome mat
outside our hearts
and whispers,
‘I’m here when you’re ready.’

Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past
but it frees the future.
It softens the hardened places,
unwraps old tensions,
and prepares your heart
for the Prince of Peace.

Healing begins
when one person
takes the first quiet step
toward the other.”

“So today, ask yourself:
‘Who do I need to place a welcome mat for?’

You don’t have to solve everything today.
Just open the door a little.
And whisper this Advent prayer:
‘Lord, give me courage to forgive…
and humility to make peace.’

This is Tiny Advent Parables with Fr. Dominic.
May reconciliation find a home in you.”