Over the past few weeks, I have written about how discipleship consists of three main journeys.  I wrote about the Ecclesial Journey, which involves the sacramental life of the disciple.  I wrote about the Journey of Active Participation, which involves involving oneself in the works of the Church, particularly in the local parish; things like being a liturgical minister, social service ministries, Knights of Columbus, Altar Rosary, etc.  The last journey, and the most important one, is the Personal Journey of Faith.
    Author Sherry Weddell, in her book Forming Intentional Disciples, recounts a story of going to a parish to help with a “Called and Gifted” retreat, and speaking to a woman who had been very active in the parish for many years.  This woman was on so many committees and ministries.  Ms. Weddell asked her about her personal relationship with Jesus, and the woman shocked her by saying, “I don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus.”  This good woman had reduced her faith to just doing things at Church.  In response to this encounter, Ms. Weddell did a study of parishes throughout the United States and found that nearly 60% of Catholics say that they do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Nearly 30% said that God is not personal, so it is not possible to have a personal relationship with God.
    This is a sad problem.  It contributes to why people get “burned out” with church.  St. John teaches us, “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).  It is important to note that God’s love for us comes first, it is the most important thing.
    The homily I gave last weekend spoke of the importance of developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  It means committing time to the relationship; spending time each day talking with Jesus and listening to Him.  The best way to start is by seeing just how good the good God is in our lives.  How has God loved you?  Not just in the big way of sending Jesus to save us, but how has God loved you today?  How has He blessed you?
    Then share with Him your joys and sorrows; you worries and your dreams.  Give Him a time to respond to you, to share His dreams for you.  The Lord says to us what He said to the Prophet Jeremiah, “‘I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you . . . plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).
    Our personal journey of faith gives a new depth and beauty to both our Ecclesial Journey and Journey of Active Participation.  It gives us the “hundred-fold” and life to the full.  It is never too late to begin one’s personal journey of faith; Jesus is always waiting for us.