I was struck by an anecdote in William Barry’s new book Praying the Truth. He was giving a talk on prayer once and afterward one of his listeners (a professor, no less) said, “You know, I would like to have a closer relationship with God, but I’m afraid if I get close, God will ask me to do something that’s too hard and I won’t be able to do it.”
Ain’t it the truth? In all our personal relationships we hesitate to make commitments or we fear becoming vulnerable, thinking that if we get too close we might be called to do something we can’t do. Why wouldn’t it be true with God?
Barry blurted out to the professor, “You can tell God exactly what you just said to me.” If it’s a personal relationship, honesty is everything. Why not admit to a loved one your fears? Why not say it? That sort of conversation is the core of prayer.
In the gospels Mark tells the haunting story of the rich man who wanted to follow Jesus (Mark 10:17-22). The man was full of enthusiasm, claiming he’d observed all the commandments scrupulously. Jesus told him, “Sell what you own and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.”
The man was dismayed because he had so much, and he went away saddened, saying nothing. But the story might have had a different ending if he’d told Jesus, “I can’t do that. It’s too hard. Can I still hang around with you?”
Sometimes I’m like that rich man. The gospels make me think, I can’t do what Jesus asks. It’s too much. Do I just close the Bible and walk away? Or tell Jesus exactly what my problem is?
I know what William Barry would say.
