Scholars agree Jesus was around 12 years old when he went to the temple and instructed the Pharisees. He was growing up. Growing up takes some time, from childhood, to adolescence, and then, hopefully, to adulthood. I believe this process is the same in our spiritual lives. But in this information-on-demand age we live in, we want it now—right now.
I was a Baltimore Catechism child and a rebellious adolescent. I could make it on my own— I had all the answers. God like any good parent was patient with me. God was ever present—even if I did not want to recognize or acknowledge him. When we were blessed with children, I was better able to understand that “give the kid some time” or “unconditional parental” kind of love that the Lord has for us all.
God is not in a hurry. He is patient. God is always willing to meet us right where we are in our spiritual journey…as a child, an adolescent, or an adult. I believe that all God ever wants from us is to continue to try and grow ….to try and grow closer to Him. At 64 , I am still trying to grow up…and to grow closer to Him.
—Bill Burke has been a member of the Midwest Jesuit advancement team for three years; he is currently on a leave of absence.