As we grow in our Christian life, we want to be able to grow in our relationship with Jesus. When people become friends, they gradually want to reveal to one another who they really are without putting on a mask to appear more acceptable. Jesus wants us to be comfortable in showing him who we really are with all of our imperfections. We no longer have to play the part of always being pious when we communicate with him. We become comfortable in sharing our true feelings and being seen in all of our vulnerability. This is what makes his unconditional love for us so powerful.
When we feel accepted by Jesus, he will reveal to us more of who God is. The knowledge that comes to us from our faith will gradually give way to the gift of knowledge we experience in our prayer. Thomas Merton experienced God as “mercy upon mercy upon mercy.” This same experience of God will let us be more merciful to the people in our lives. Our being seen by God opens up the possibility for us to be more forgiving and loving of our neighbor, the sign that we are living an authentic Christian life.
- How would you describe your relationship with a true friend?
- Is it similar to your relationship with Jesus?
- Are you comfortable with God seeing you with all of your imperfections?
O God¸ thank you for loving me just as I am.