the relationship
Jesus "entered the house of Simon and Andrew." —Mark 1:29
Sometimes we read the Gospels, and we wish we were there in person. Imagine Jesus entering your house, grasping your hand, and healing you (see Mk 1:31). What a thrill to personally see Jesus healing the sick and expelling demons! Don't you want to look into Jesus' eyes, hear His voice, touch Him, and be touched by Him?
Some of these things will have to wait until we go to heaven. Nonetheless, right now we can have a relationship with Jesus much more intimate than was possible for the apostles. Simon and Andrew received Jesus into their home; we are God's home. He literally lives within us (see Jn 14:23; 1 Cor 6:19). The apostles ate with Jesus; in Holy Communion, we receive the body and blood of Jesus as our Food (Jn 6:55). When Jesus walked the earth, only a few people could touch Him and only occasionally. Now by faith we can all touch Jesus anytime and always, because He is always with us (Mt 28:20).
Before Jesus ascended, He said it was much better for us that He go (Jn 16:7). This is literally true. He has provided for all of us to be closer than close to Him. We can live in His love (Jn 15:9).
Prayer: Jesus, may my relationship with You be the deepest, most intimate relationship of my life.
Promise: "Since the children are men of blood and flesh, Jesus likewise had a full share in ours, that by His death He might rob the devil, the prince of death, of his power, and free those who through fear of death had been slaves their whole life long." —Heb 2:14-15
Praise: Marie wears a ring as a constant reminder of her wholehearted commitment to Jesus.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Who Am I In Christ? or our four-part series of audio tapes starting with AV 7A-1 or our two-part video series starting with V-7A.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 28, 2010
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