“If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” So, Jesus said to Phillip. (John 8:19)

For most people, God as a person may be a challenge to fully comprehend.  Even if we accept the words of Genesis that God created all that exists, including us as human beings with rational minds and the capability to think and reason, it is difficult. 

The coming of Jesus made it easier for us. As he said to Phillip, “Don’t you know me, Phillip, even after I have been among you such a long time?  Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”  (John 14: 9)

While we can experience Jesus through baptism and the other sacraments, at some point there needs to be a personal encounter with Jesus in which we invite him into our lives.  It takes a personal invitation by us – asking Jesus to come into our hearts and be a part of our life.  Jesus will not push his way into our hearts. We have to open the door and invite him in.  This happened to me when I was in my 30s and it was a watershed moment in my life.  All my priorities began to change.  I am still capable of messing up, but with my friendship with Jesus, I know he will forgive me as soon as I go to him and ask him.

Jesus says, “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”  (Matthew 7: 8) We come to know God through Jesus — just as Jesus said to Phillip.  As we become familiar with what Jesus said and did in the four gospels, we become familiar with God.  The way Jesus loved, forgave, and related to people, is the way God relates to us.  Just as Jesus was very approachable, so too, is God. 

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are available for us to come to know personally, but we need to extend the invitation.

Have you made the invitation?