Thanks to television and movies, I have always secretly wanted an older brother. Now, do not get me wrong, I love my family and would not change a thing about. But, I consistently thought it would be neat to have that one person who would help me with that tricky math problem, who would be my date to a school dance or who would stand up for me after a boy broke my heart—you know, just the seemingly classic older brother.
However, as the years continued to pass and I continued to grow, I have come to realize that I have had an older brother my entire life.
His name is Jesus.
While He cannot physically look over my shoulder, typing numbers into a calculator to help me with my math homework, physically dance around the room with me or physically dry my tears, He can, and certainly does, fulfill an older brother’s greatest task: loving me.
Perhaps in the past I longed for that absent sibling because my relationship with Jesus was simple and based upon what my teachers told me in school. But now, through my own college studies, personal prayer and readings, I have a better understanding, albeit imperfect, knowledge of Him. Specifically, I know that Jesus is always by my side, rooting for me and leading me to righteousness even when I sin. Also, I realize that simply talking to Him as if He was physically in the room actually causes Him to be present. Stated otherwise, just like Jesus presents Himself in the Eucharist after the priest blesses it, when we talk to Jesus, He enters our world, our homes and our lives to establish an everlasting relationship. Furthermore, Jesus fills any role we long for in our lives, meaning that whenever we feel alone or incomplete, Jesus satisfies us.
Of course, this relationship must not be solely focused on us and our needs. In particular, just as much as we yearn for divine love, Jesus desires our earthly love. So, while we use prayer to invoke His presence, we also ought to use that same vehicle to praise and adore Him. If we fail to do so, Jesus’ love will not cease, but we will develop an ill relationship. In fact, just like an actual biological relationship with an older brother, each sibling must take time to show appreciation for each other. Otherwise, both of them may not truly understand the dynamics of their bond, resulting in less interaction and weaker respect for one another.
Thus, whenever I struggle with homework, feel alone or let the world get me down, I know that I have an older brother constantly watching out for me and consoling me.
So, yes, I still long for an older brother, but not simply the kind from television and movies. Rather, I long for my older brother and His hugs. But, I know that longing will be satisfied fully when He comes again in His glory to be with me, and all of us, forever.
Sincerely,
Ash
Sincerely, Ash 