Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women (Lk 8:1-2).
A simple but significant statement. Jesus is fully human and fully divine and was willing to come close in simplicity. Many chose not to follow him, but there were those like “the Twelve and some women” who did. Jesus continues to meet us today in the same ways of simple encounter and invitation. The Son of God incarnate draws close to us in our humanity, as human beings, so that we can enter into a relationship with him and his Father through the love of the Holy Spirit, thus becoming one with him in his divinity.
From the beginning of his public ministry, throughout his time walking this earth, and continuing on after his resurrection and ascension into heaven, Jesus now in his glorified body invites people to participate in his life and the kingdom of Heaven which is at hand in his very presence. Jesus does so by building relationships. This is how Luke can write the verses that Jesus was accompanied by the Twelve and Mary Magdelene, Joanna, and Susanna. These were real people with whom Jesus developed real and intimate bonds. Jesus is not a myth.
Christianity is not a Lone Ranger religion, it is not the survival of the fittest, and Jesus did not teach us to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps. We are created by God to be in communion, to be in a relationship with him and each other, to experience his love and to love one another. That means we are required to have the humility to recognize we can’t go it alone, do anything on our own. We need to ask for help from God our Father and each other when in need and be willing to serve as God calls us and to help when we are asked to help one of our brothers or sisters.
We are invited to welcome, engage with, and make time for each other by exchanging in the stories of our tragedies and our triumphs. Let us resist the temptation of withdrawing into our own bubbles and instead, risk encountering one another in our poverty of spirit and weaknesses. Relationships are not perfect. By putting God first, making a commitment to him and his commandments, and putting those commandments into practice, we can better commit to being there for each other.
When we are growing in our relationship with God, he feeds the deepest core of our being as no other can. Thus fulfilled by his love, our insecurities that seek to derail our human relationships will diminish. We can risk being ourselves even when tempted by our fears. As we begin to feel safe in God’s love we can better breathe, trust, keep an open heart and mind, give the benefit of the doubt, and be more understanding, kind, and forgiving, all of which are ingredients for healthier relationships.
Jesus invites us to walk with him and to forge relationships grounded in mutual respect, where no one is last and where no person is left behind. Our addictions, insecurities, and disordered affections only survive when we isolate ourselves. When we allow Jesus and others to come close, spend time with him and one another, our weaknesses, sins and shortcomings will be revealed. That is good news. Each conflict, when we bring it to the Lord, helps us to forgive and be forgiven. Conflicts now become moments of grace to heal and purify, leading to greater intimacy. We are not alone when we identify and reject the lies of the enemy. Continuing with Jesus, our relationships will heal and deepen.
————————-
Photo: Awaiting Benediction at the NCDVD, National Convention Diocesan Vocation Directors, during the Eucharistic procession after Mass at the amphitheater on the grounds of the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception.
Spiritual Stepping Stones 