A personal relationship with Jesus.

As a follow up to Jane Boster’s talk on having a personal relationship with Jesus, I’m reminded of a recent conversation in a Facebook group. On behalf of a skeptical Catholic (“This notion of having a personal relationship with God sounds so Protestant!”)someone was asking where, in Scripture, “personal relationship” could be found. Not surprisingly, there were lots of answers and a couple bonus ideas at the end.

1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you.

John 14:21 – Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.

Revelation 3:20 – If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.

John 15:15 – I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

John 14:2-3 -In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.

The primary revealed categories in Scripture for our relationship with God are “son”, “daughter” “child”, “friend”, and “bride”.

I find that ‘Consoling the Heart of Jesus’ (Fr Michael Gaitley) would explain it in a way that even the most traditional Catholic would understand. It has brought our daily Mass going church ladies to tears of regret over their lost years of relationship with Christ.

And speaking of that last point – you can find Father Gaitley’s video study for Consoling the Heart of Jesus on formed.org.

FORMED.org is a revolutionary online platform featuring the best Catholic videos, audio talks, eBooks and movies from trusted partners like the Augustine Institute, St. Paul Center, Marian Fathers, Lighthouse Catholic Media, Ignatius Press and Word on Fire. Catechism and Personal Faith Formation are at the fingertips of every parishioner.