How to Practice the Presence of God

Throughout the Gospels Jesus says, “Remain in me” or “abide in me,”
which—in simplified terms—means whatever you do, invite Jesus
along. Ask him to “come with.” This is a way to grow in your
relationship with him, but it’s also a smart thing to do because,
after all, Jesus said: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who
abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for
apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). When we ask someone
to “come with” or “go with”, as Fr. Mike says they do in Minnesota,
we are implying that we enjoy their company and even have a certain
kind of love for them. When you love someone, you want them to come
with you wherever you go. But “remain in me” means more than that.
It also means gaze upon Jesus, not just at his face in a religious
icon—though that could help—but gaze upon him with the interior
gaze of the heart. Be aware that he is present. This shouldn’t be
burdensome. It’s simple. Spending time with one you love is as easy
as doing nothing. Thirdly, remaining in Christ means to speak to
him. Tell him your dreams and desires. Ask him what he wills. When
you do this keep in mind, the Lord is free. He is not robotic. He
is free to love us as he wills, and sometimes that love is
difficult—but it’s what we need. So next time you do something,
anything, say, “Jesus, wanna go with?”