What is it like to hold the hand of Jesus throughout the entire day?
I wouldn’t know because I am constantly forgetting that Jesus is there with His palm open wide for me to grasp. But I can tell you about the moments I do recognize Jesus holding my hand throughout the day. Writing this article is one of them. I just finished a nice lunch and I asked Jesus which of my projects and work to do first. I felt called to write this current article. I was not entirely sure how it would turn out, but here we are. I am writing to you with one hand and holding Jesus' hand with the other. He is the one who came up with this topic. (Also, I am not physically holding His hand as I need both of my hands to type and use the computer.)
While I hold His hand, I feel focused. I don’t start looking at Amazon and Google. I don’t focus on my finances and all the other things that need doing. Instead, I am focused on this article.
The Cross is Everywhere
Jesus is the Word made flesh that dwelt among us. I often spiritually hold Jesus’ hand, but at Holy Mass, I legit get to hold Jesus in my hands right before I consume Him in Holy Communion. He becomes a part of me.
Technically speaking Jesus is not holding my hand but is in the recesses of my heart. However, imagining holding Jesus’ hand is much easier for me to do.
When I am lonely or afraid, His hand is there.
Even walking down the hallway in middle school and high school, I imagined Jesus holding my hand, giving me comfort in all of my troubles. I still imagine Him walking beside me when going to a meeting or before starting work.
I have a sterling silver ring with a cross on it. If I am ever in a place where I don’t see the Lord Jesus, I can look at the cross I wear. But I find crosses everywhere I go. In the pattern of tiles on the floor or the ceilings. Lines intersecting at a store or a classroom. I can start to see Jesus everywhere.
From Sin
Holding Jesus’ hand helps me to not sin. Particularly with my hands. If I hold Jesus’ hand, there is no room for gluttony or greed. Holding His hand makes it very hard to sin. I cannot clench my fists in an act of wrath. I can’t walk ahead of Him in pride. I cannot reach out to myself or anyone in lust. I cannot focus too much on my appearance in vanity, as Jesus gently pulls me away from the mirror. I cannot be envious of anyone, because I am with the very Son of God.
Join Me
So, join me in this practice. Though most imperfectly, let us hold the hand of Jesus wherever we are. We may even meet someone else who is holding onto Jesus’ other hand and we don’t want to miss that God-given opportunity.
Jesus, I give you all that I am. Especially today, I give you my hands. May I love you alone with these hands and may I hold your hand through everything.
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