A Date with Jesus

My Date

I am going to tell you about my most recent date. It was a Thursday afternoon and I was blessed to not have work on Friday. The thought came to my mind that I had time to spend with Jesus. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted it. It seemed to me that Jesus was asking me out on a date. Not by calling my cell, but by the nudging of the Holy Spirit at my heart. When this became clear to me in prayer, I answered Jesus, “yes.”

It was official. “How does 4:00 PM at Your House sound?” I asked Him and He agreed. It was 3:30 PM and I had a date to get to. I looked through my closet for a casual but cute shirt and skirt. Then, I ran to the bathroom to do my hair, brush my teeth, and put on some makeup. I even put on a pair of earrings and perfume. Looking in the mirror, I asked our Blessed Mother how I looked. “Headband or no headband?” I asked her. I decided on the headband.

So, I got in the car and arrived just around 4:00 PM. A smile flashed on my face as I opened the door to the 24/7 chapel and saw Jesus hidden away in the tabernacle. I like to imagine that He smiled as well. I think He did. I greeted Him reverently, for this date was with a man, but also a man who was God! How lucky of a girl was I?

I prayed with Jesus, the Blessed Sacrament, and conversed with Him silently in the chapel. By the way, I consider the chapel to be Jesus’ “House,” because He does live there, after all.  After about a half-hour, I was hungry and Jesus knew well that I eat early dinners. So, with Jesus coming with me in my heart (and literally with me from receiving Him in Holy Communion earlier that day), I drove to one of my favorite spots. Panera Bread. It was a Chicken Caesar salad for me. I knew that it looked like I was sitting alone with an empty seat opposite me, but I was not alone—I am never alone—dear Jesus was with me. After eating in a sort of meditative but casual silence, I pulled out my computer and started to write. Jesus knows that I love to write, so He was eager to give me some “writing time” at the end of the date. Jesus brought me safely home. And Him, by the Holy Spirit, is always with me.

Go on a Date

I would like to challenge you to go on a date with Jesus. Know that firstly, I am not being literal with “dating.” Secondly, Jesus is your first love and God is love itself. Your date can be whatever way and setting work for you. The important part is that you are spending time with Jesus.

Go whether you are a man, woman, married, or unmarried. My dad goes on bike rides with Jesus, and he is already married to my mom. I sometimes go for a walk with Jesus or we go to get ice cream. You also do not have to dress up like me. You can wear anything from sport shorts and a t-shirt to your old prom dress. I will admit that I have done both. Just be intentional. Jesus is fully God, but also fully human. You can do whatever you want together. Go out for a beer or wine or bowling or running. You can even go grocery shopping together!

Now, does it ever feel like I am just doing stuff alone? Sometimes, yes. But Jesus even said to the apostle Thomas, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29). Whether I feel Jesus’ presence or not, I believe He is with me. If you are struggling with belief, you can pray the prayer of the father of the child with a mute spirit: “…I believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24)!

Marriage?

Going on a first date with anyone is not going to be all about possible marriage. A healthy date would include you simply getting to know each other and having some fun while doing so. Sometimes, Jesus and I decide to “stay in” at home for the evening, maybe with a drink and a good book or movie.

Ultimately, each Christian is called to “marry” Jesus. We are all a part of the Bride of Christ, the Church. Jesus, the Head, is the Bridegroom of the Church. A prayer-oriented date with Jesus is just a small mirror of what is to come in heaven.

So, however old you are; whatever state of life you are in; however well you know God; go on a date with the omnipotent guy we know as Jesus!