Do I Know Jesus?

Before mass, I always thank God for allowing myself and all gathered at the Church to be there.  Then I have some others things I pray, one of which is asking God that everybody present here may take something away something from this mass to help them grow closer to God and to know how much God loves us.
This always happens for me, in one way or another and I really enjoyed what I took away from today's mass so I thought I would share it.
The deacon who gave the homily today asked a question that really got me thinking.  He asked whether or not we really know Jesus?  This got me thinking.  Yes, I know Jesus, but do I really KNOW Jesus.  I know a lot about Jesus, more so then most since that is what I went to college for, but that does not mean I KNOW Jesus necessarily.  I look at it now and it seems like the simplest thing, having a personal relationship with Jesus is what we are all called to have.  Do I honestly have that type of relationship with Jesus? The answer, truthfully, would be no.  I do not have a personal relationship with Jesus.  It is something I have always struggled with.  For me it is easier to have a relationship with God the Father, and Jesus has always been the Son, who lived on the same earth I now live on.  I have put up roadblocks, or excuses or whatever you want to call them and have failed to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus.  I will say, I have been a hypocrite, telling others they need a relationship with Jesus while I have not done that at all.  I pray all the time, never as much as I should or could.  Still, I have failed to grow closer to Jesus, the one who died for me, gave his life for me, suffered for me, so that I might have eternal life.  It is time I start trying to grow closer to him.
So to my list of prayers I add another... God, help me to grow closer to and to truly KNOW your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace