CHAPTER TWO
Getting to Know the Lord
I’ve always had a fascination with history. When I was young, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the presidents of the United States. Out of all the presidents, I was particularly interested in Theodore Roosevelt. In an effort to get to know more about him, I sought out pictures, books, and material on his life. As a result, I was able to learn a great deal about him.
Despite getting to know muchabout President Theodore Roosevelt, however, I never was able toknow him as a person. I couldn’t ask him questions or be in his presence because he died many years before I was born. Although I knew many facts about him, it was not possible for me to have a personal relationship with Theodore Roosevelt.
Unfortunately, many of us treat Jesus in the same way. We know that he lived two thousand years ago, we know some facts about his life, we are even familiar with things that he said—and it ends there. We make the mistake of treating him just like any other historical figure. We do not even consider the fact that it is possible to have a personal relationship with him.
Thinking that we can’t have a personal relationship with Jesus could not be further from the truth. Furthermore, if we want to be able to make decisions in accordance with Jesus’s will, we absolutely must get to know him personally. The good news is that, even though the idea can seem intimidating, we can all have a relationship with Jesus by following a few simple steps.
For most of my life, my relationship with Jesus was not a good one. Even though I went to Mass every week, I viewed him as a cross between a historical figure and an “imaginary friend.” I accepted the fact that he did exist, was crucified, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. I was even able to quote some of the things he said. I even prayed on occasion, or at least went through the motions.
I did know where to find Jesus when I needed a favor. Having heard stories of answered prayers and even miracles in the lives of others, I thought that I should pray when I needed something. After all, Jesus said that if we ask, we’ll receive. Praying for my needs was a matter of covering all the bases.
Fortunately, although it took me many years, I came to discover that it is possible to have a per
