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