Do you know Jesus? – March 25, 2012

On one of our drives up to our favorite campsite, Michael and I stopped at a gas
station in Bodega Bay. As I waited for the Ladies room, a woman came out, looked me
straight in the eyes and asked, “Honey, do you know Jesus?” I promptly replied, “Yes, I
do. In fact I am a Christian minister,” to which she replied, “Well, God Bless You!” and
went on her way.
I have often pondered her sincere question and my response since then. Do I really
know Jesus? What do I think I know about Jesus? How do I know that? I can intellectualize
and theologize—but ultimately I only “know” the Christ Presence when some
deep part of my Soul recognizes it in a person, or circumstance, or experience. Evangelism
is truly a process of exchanging what theologian Cynthia Bourgeault calls recognition
energy. When Jesus asks the Disciples, “Who do you say I am?” he is asking if they
recognize the Presence he has come to represent.
When we share our stories of love, of hardship, of hope, of despair, of trials, of
victories—whatever story we share from our hearts, we are connecting through our
common “I Am-ness”—that seed of the Divine that is planted in all of us. It connects
us beyond our differences of opinions and backgrounds, likes and dislikes. When we
connect with someone through a shared experience in this way, we recognize God’s
transforming love at work. We just know that Christ is present.
To be good Evangels, we need ample opportunities to share our stories and experiences
with each other and those in our community.
When I share a conversation that matters
and might make a difference in someone’s life—
and mine—then I can truly say I know Jesus. We
need to offer a space where important conversations
can happen and life stories can be told to
recognize the God seed in one another so that we
might truly know the One Who gave everything
to nurture those seeds within us.
Prayer: Oh God, Creator of the greatest story
ever told, be in my heart and mind today as I
engage with others. Help me to hear through
the ears of my Soul, that I might find our
place of connection and know You more
deeply. Amen.
Paula Pociecha serves as Minister for Congregational Care and Women’s
Ministries for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Northern
California-Nevada