Each of us are called to an intimate relationship with Our Saviour.  He wants to guide our lives and help us each step of the way.   Jesus tells us “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5

The image of the vine and the branch is a compelling image.  The branch’s very existence relies on the vine.  The vine nourishes the branch and supplies its very life force.  The only way the branch can bear fruit is to remain attached to the vine.  If it is severed from the vine, the branch will die.

Consider what does it mean to have an intimate relationship with Jesus?  How can we be the branch that is perfectly connected to Our Lord Jesus.

 1.  Trust in Jesus

All intimate relationships are trusting relationships.  We trust people that we know are wise and will always be there to help us.  There is no one who loves us as much as God does.  There is no one who is wise like Our Lord is.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3: 5-6

 2.  Don’t worry just keep praying to Jesus

Intimate relationships are typically characterized as relationships with intimate communications.  We share our fears, our hopes, our dreams with those we trust.  Jesus has hopes and dreams for each of us.  Let’s keep praying to Him asking Him for guidance so that we can discern His will and our lives can give Him glory.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.”  Philippians 4:6-7

3.  Study the Word of God

The Bible is not just a book we must read; it is the Holy Book we must study.  To truly follow Jesus we must learn from Him and to learn from Him we must read and understand His Word.  We must ask for the grace to understand and then the courage to put His Word into action in our lives.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29

4.  Be Nourished by His Sacraments 

Jesus wants to live in each of us and He will do this through the Holy Eucharist.  We are privileged to be able to receive His Body and Blood through the Sacrament of Holy Communion and in this way God’s Word is fulfilled:  “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”  John 6:56 

 5.  Be Passionate about Jesus and be ready to make some sacrifices

Intimate relationships often have defining moments when our passion for one another grows stronger.  We realize we love enough to be able to sacrifice for the one we love.  Did you know that the word “Passion” is derived from the latin word patī meaning to suffer.  Every day I meditate on the Passion of Christ because Jesus died for us and I don’t want a day to go by without remembering how much He suffered to save us.  As I contemplate His suffering I renew my vow to live for His glory.  I repent and I ask Jesus for the grace to live a life of passion for Him offering up whatever sacrifices He desires.

Let us not be lukewarm for God.  He suffered so much for us!

Jesus says, “So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.  Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:16-20

We will bear fruit if we stay close to Our Saviour.  Let us trust Him and follow Him.  Let’s keep praying for one another, especially for those most in need of God’s mercy.  Let us be nourished by His Word and His Holy Sacraments and be ready to suffer for the Gospel and for our love for God. Let’s take whatever path God is asking us to take.

 6.  Be Merciful and be blessed by God

Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”  Matthew 5:7  If we want an intimate relationship with Jesus then we should strive to imitate Him.  Jesus is Divine Mercy!

Every day we have an opportunity to be merciful.  I pray every day for the mercy of God upon all of us and I pray especially for criminals because they are most in need of God’s mercy.  Join me in this profound act of mercy.  Praying for the wellbeing of others is being merciful.  Praying for people who have hurt us is being merciful.  Forgiving those who have hurt us is being merciful.

 7.  Just Believe that God loves you more than you can imagine

Faith is a choice.  Many people died writing the Bible but there are some who give it no credence. God is truth and everything was created by Him.  You were created by God and He loves you so much.  He died for you!

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  Jeremiah 31:3

No matter what you have done.  God will forgive you.  Go to Him and ask for His forgiveness.  Jesus is always ready to help you start over.