Aim for Single-Hearted Intimate Relationship With Christ

By Nibin K Cyriac csc –

Readings: Acts 20: 17-27; Jn 17: 1-11a

The way Paul and Jesus showed ‘single hearted intimacy towards God and his ways’ is very much visible in today’s readings. Paul is courageous and bold in going forward to do the mission of God even at the cost of losing his life. He was focused.

When one finds meaning in Jesus, he will find meaning in his life too. To say that ‘what belongs to me is of Jesus’, is a hard task for a person. To say ‘I belong to Christ’ is easy but to live a life for Jesus and fulfil his will are challenging.

That involves sacrifice and pain. We need to surrender ourselves to God completely. One can look poor or simple, but the happiness lies in the heart. We are invited to grow in relationship with Jesus. It is above a physical or emotional relationship which has to develop through our experience. I need to see other persons as Christ; and the place, environment, and situation I am in, as gifts from him. If I am happy with whatever I have, I automatically will grow as a content person. I will be happy, satisfied, joyful, bold, and courageous in my decisions. Jesus showed us a model of trusting his Father through his life.

Finally, faith in his words will lead me to a single-hearted intimate relationship with Christ.