May 31, 2022 – When Things Fall Apart, Pema Chodron

Letting Go

“And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:16-22

“I once spent an entire day with a friend who was trying to decide what to give (a precious gift to give to his teacher). As soon as he thought of something, his attachment for it would become intense. After a while, he was a nervous wreck. Just the thought of losing even one of his favorite belongings was more than he could bear. Later I mentioned the episode to a visiting teacher, and he said perhaps it was the opportunity for that man to develop compassion for himself and for all others caught in the misery of craving—for all others who just can’t let go. Giving material goods can help people. If food is needed and we can give it, we do that. If shelter is needed, or books or medicine are needed, and we can give them, we do that. As best we can, we can care for whoever needs our care. Nevertheless, the real transformation takes place when we let go of our attachment and give away what we think we can’t. What we do on the outer level has the power to loosen up deep-rooted patterns of holding on to ourselves.” Chodron, Pema. When Things Fall Apart (Shambhala Classics) (p. 132).

Letting Go

We spend so much time in our lives trying to grasp things: we try to grasp the understanding of math or science; we try to grasp the understanding of faith; all the while grasping at the stuff we think will make us happy and secure. So much in our faith lives requires us to “let go” rather than to grasp – the word for forgiveness in Greek literally means to “let go” – repentance also means to “let go” of one path and begin a completely new path.

The rich young ruler in our text today was unable to let go of his many possessions – for his possessions had him firmly in their grasp – had so much power over him. We see this played out in the story from Pema – when her friend thought of giving something away, the mere thought of giving it away made him grasp it that much more.

What is it you need to let go of today? What has such possession over you, whether it is a thing, or a regret, or a past hurtful comment or gesture by a family member or friend that it continues to have control over you? I am here to tell you that these things not only have control over you, but they have power over you – because when we possess them so tightly, then they do have power over us.

My friends, Jesus wants all of you – not just some of you. When you hold on to things, whether they are feelings or possessions, then we cannot give Jesus all of us. Psalm 55:22 says  “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” Give Jesus what hurts and regrets and pains you are holding on to so tightly today. Remember, Pema Chodron writes: “…the real transformation takes place when we let go of our attachment and give away what we think we can’t.”

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, my burdens get to be too much some days. Help me to give you all of my hurts and burdens, so I may be able to be more present with you. Amen.

Pastor Dave

May 30, 2022 – When Things Fall Apart, Pema Chodron

He Breathed on Them

“When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” John 20:19-23

“We begin the practice by taking on the suffering of a person whom we know to be hurting and wish to help. For instance, if we know of a child who is being hurt, we breathe in with the wish to take away all of that child’s pain and fear. Then, as we breathe out, we send happiness, joy, or whatever would relieve the child. This is the core of the practice: breathing in others’ pain so they can be well and have more space to relax and open—breathing out, sending them relaxation or whatever we feel would bring them relief and happiness.” Chodron, Pema. When Things Fall Apart (Shambhala Classics) (p. 122).

He Breathed on Them

I believe the image of Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit upon the disciples is a difficult image for us to grasp. Did he blow into their faces like someone trying to blow out birthday candles? Or was it more of a gesture like blowing a kiss? Breathing is such an automatic activity for most of us that most of the time we do not even perceive that we are breathing. But those for whom breathing has become so difficult, well, they have a new appreciation for taking in and blowing out a full breath.

The practice of “Breath Prayers” has become more popular for some Christians seeking new and fuller ways to pray in their lives. Doing breath prayers forces the one praying to become fully aware of their thoughts, actions, and lung capacity. During the uneasy times of the pandemic I would hear radio commercials that were initiated to help the listener do some deep breathing – trying to help people learn some practices to find some peace in their lives.

The act of Jesus breathing on his disciples must have been a mysterious moment in their lives – one of so many mysterious moments in the life and teachings of Jesus. But what started with a breath would grow into the fires of the day of Pentecost – and that single breath would be the impetus for the growth of the early church – and continues to blow life into our lives and into the life of the church. Take time today to focus on some deep breathing exercises – and while you do, remember the blessings you have in your life – and remember those who are hurting.

Let us pray,

Lord Christ, breathing is so automatic – but are prayers often feel very stifled. Help me today to feel your breath, your Spirit so I may be empowered to help others. Amen.

Pastor Dave