Focus & Distractions

Image: Galen Crout (Unsplash)

A question was posed, is it okay for a Christian to do yoga? To some the answer would be yes, to others it would be no. The discussion would be centred around the spiritual aspect of yoga (yoga is not being singled out, there are many such activities).

Is this a matter of personal choice or is it expected by the church? Clearly, we all need rules and guidelines to keep us safe – but at what point do we say, "that's just silly, I'll disregard that". The gospel of Jesus Christ is to set us free from the slavery of sin. So, why do we feel we are still slaves?

Paul's letter to the Galatians speaks of us as slaves, being set free in love and the Spirit. We must be honest and say, this is not easy to get our heads around and it may not come swiftly to us. We must accept that we are first and foremost spiritual beings, and that true freedom is being willing participants in God's plan for us.

Galatians 5:22-23 “but the fruit of the spirit is love, Joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Our calling is to strive (as much as we are able) to immerse ourselves in God - Father Son and Holy Spirit, that we may become Christ-centred, Christ-like.

life is full of distractions, which will lose their importance the more we focus on our saviour Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:13-14 “you, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge in the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: love your neighbour as yourself.”

Where is our focus and what are our distractions?

A Matter of Time

Photo: Djim Loic

We always seem to know what time it is –
it is as if we have a built-in clock.

Sometimes it takes a while to kick-in, to get our bearings, but then we are brought abruptly into the reality of where we are and what time it is. You know that feeling.

Time is a hard taskmaster, just like the tide -it waits for no-one. The ticking of a clock is insistent and is at its most annoying when we are waiting for something. Our senses prefer things to be on time unless we are running late ourselves.

We say we have all the time in the world, though this will rest upon how the day is panning out for us. A day spent fishing, walking, or just reading a book will slow down time dramatically. Time often picks up speed when we begin to think, of all the things we feel we should be doing.  Stress and the speed of time seem to be related. Have you ever wondered – what is the true speed of time?

Einstein said, “time is relative” and will be experienced differently by us, depending on our state, how we feel at that point in time. Slowing down our built-in clock, has the effect of slowing down time itself. It can seem as if we have achieved much more, in the same amount of time. You can try this for yourself. Our built-in clock is regulated by our breathing. So, begin by slowing down your breathing, relax – and let go of the things you are struggling to hold on to. The stress you are feeling, just let it flow away with every out-breath. Breathe in the new air and out with the old.

Do not give in easily, stay with the breathing, just let go more and more. As you let go, feel the joy of being relaxed. A changing of your internal energy life-giving and peaceful.

It only takes a minute in relative terms, but the benefits can last for hours. We do not need anything special, and we could be anywhere – this simple exercise will still work.

We are body, mind, and spirit.  So, slow the body and just breathe, the mind will calm itself, and the spirit will grow. To be in control is more about letting go – it is just a matter of time. 

Quiet Space

Sacred Space – a time and place just for you

Our Churches may be closed but we can still find Sanctuary where we are. We all may haves a longing for a return to the familiar when often what we are looking for is right here with us. Have you ever considered creating a space where you can step out of the daily routine and into a “Quiet Space”? A physical space for you to step into. A space just for you and God. We might call it a “Sacred Space” setting apart a place to enter in to let go of daily stress and to listen.

There are immense benefits in taking time out, even for a short while. Finding a space where we can recharge our batteries, taking a moment to see how far we have come and to see what our next step is? Often in life we move quickly from one thing to another, then we can find ourselves a way off track. It helps to have a point of reference, something we relate to and can keep us on course, (you are probably thinking of a compass). Time spent in our quiet place helps us to reset our course and take stock of our belongings, then we will emerge more at peace with ourselves and the life stuff around us. That must be a good thing, and it is free! 

Our space for quiet is just that, it is ours alone and for others it could be different. Make it as personal as you can, if you are into simplicity then keep it as simple as you can, but if you are creative let it flow. Perhaps you are a touchy-feely kind of person, you may prefer silence, or some sounds to help you into a quiet time. Use what you have, it’s always your best, never compare it to others each one is unique, just as you are. Find simple things: a candle, stones, a glass of water, a special picture, and a pencil to write. Expect to receive!

Your space can be indoors or out, somewhere you feel comfortable and away from distractions, you know, those things that beep and demand your attention. To be laid on a bed may be inviting, but the rest would be confused with sleeping. You may of course choose a set walk, a circuit to complete. Your time, your space, just for you. 
Begin to see that quiet time is part of our natural being, it is necessary for us. 

Once you begin, you will find yourself drawn back often.

Peace be with you.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion is a Sacrament given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ and is available to us in a physical form when we attend Mass. Our part in this Sacrament is to receive fully the Living Christ in our hearts, to be changed and become more Christ like in our thoughts words and deeds. A full partaking of this Sacrament will occur, as our hearts are open, and faith is as much as it can be. Ultimately it is God who is giving, not the priest nor the form of liturgy. 

It is God who sees our true self and loves us unconditionally.

God exists as three persons united in love, one in existence with each other. The church on earth is the community of God and we must share in that community. We remember on that night when Christ first took bread and wine, he broke the bread and said this is my body similarly with the wine he gave it and said this is my blood, do this in remembrance of me. This offering of himself (fully God and fully man) was the foretelling of the sacrifice he would offer that very next day. These words were spoken to his Apostles, a community gathered round a table.

Jesus, before he ascended to Heaven imparted to us the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Blessed Trinity – to be our encourager, teacher and healer. That through the Holy Spirit working in us, others may be drawn to Christ. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn 13:35). “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (Jn 13:34). that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (Jn 17-21)

The Eucharist is thanksgiving for God's love for us that we may share with others. It is right and proper that we attend mass the place where community comes together in a special way; to say sorry, to profess our faith, to offer worship and receive Holy Communion. God of course is not bound by our liturgy or physical boundaries. Through the Holy Spirit we can receive forgiveness, love and grace at any time. Our part is to be open to receive, believe in God's presence in our lives and allow ourselves to be changed, for without change we are not growing in God's love and become just a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).

We talk about spiritual Communion. I believe this is a moment, which could be part of a service. A time we set aside, to listen with our heart and soul, to invite God into our very being, to dwell within us, to heal us and enable us to love as he loved, to be one with him as only we can.

This can only be termed as a mystical moment, there is no need for set liturgical words (though it may help within the context of a service). I find it hard to be at Mass and not participate in the physical receiving of Jesus my lord, under the form of bread and wine. I find it hard to watch a Mass online, TV or radio - knowing the ultimate climax is missing. I spend time drawing close to God and receiving him spiritually, looking then for the changes I know he wants to make in me.

Other sources regarding Spiritual Communion

Spiritual Communion is a traditional practice of expressing to the Lord our longing for him and our desire for him to enter our hearts. St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) said:

“When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you.”

St. Jean-Marie Vianney (1786-1859), the famous country priest from Ars, France, once said “when we feel the love of God growing cold, let us instantly make a spiritual Communion. When we cannot go to the church, let us turn towards the tabernacle; no wall can shut us out from the good God.”

How might we go about making a spiritual Communion? St. Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868), the French “apostle of the Eucharist,” suggested the following format:

“If you do not receive (holy Communion) sacramentally, receive spiritually by making the following acts: conceive a real desire to be united to Jesus Christ by acknowledging the need you have to love His life; arouse yourself to perfect contrition for all your sins, past and present, by considering the infinite goodness and sanctity of God; receive Jesus Christ in spirit in your inmost soul, entreating Him to give you the grace to live entirely for Him, since you can live only by him; imitate Zacheus in his good resolutions and thank our Lord that you have been able to hear Holy Mass, and make a spiritual Communion; offer in thanksgiving a special act of homage, a sacrifice, an act of virtue, and beg the blessing of Jesus Christ upon yourself and all your relatives and friends.”

While there is no formula prescribed by the Church to make an act of spiritual communion, prayers composed by various saints are part of the Church’s rich treasury of devotions. One of the more popular acts of spiritual communion comes from St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787):

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament.

I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there

and unite myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen

Unwrapping

I am perhaps prompted by our current lock-down situation since March 2020 and our reactions to a different way to communicate. Digital technology brings family and friends into our living space. Many are fascinated with the wonder of it all and maybe miss the words that are heard and said. We keep our conversations at a basic level, treading carefully as we go.

There are things we know about ourselves and yet, there is much more inside to be opened. Others will see things that we do not see – and between us we can often imagine things that are not there.

Awareness of who we are and how we relate to others is central to our growing into who we are created to be. Pip Wilson talks about us being a valuable and precious gift and the worst thing we can do, is to remain unwrapped.

To begin to unwrap who we are within our community is a risky business. We feel vulnerable and worry that we will not be accepted. If a flower never opens, it denies its own purpose and that of the creator – such beauty withheld...

A seed in fertile ground, will germinate and break into the daylight. It pushes its roots deep into the soil while drawing energy from the sun, a process of growing that we can identify with. 

We are born out of relationship and into relationships. Though we might find solitude a safe place, our growing is in relation to others. So, how does this all work as a process. Pip describes this well as Levels One to Five and is sketched here through his Blob characters.

Level One – Cliché

We pass the time of day in cliché –

“Alright” – “Nice weather” we would say to most people, not looking for or expecting an answer. Not something we would start with when relating to close friends, or those we would like to know better.

Level Two – Facts

We tend to communicate with facts only.

Reciting a story of the things we have done or seen. 

Which can be interesting at first, but you get the feeling it has been rehearsed.

Level Three – Opinions

This is where we begin to unwrap a little, we share opinions, our thoughts on situations.

Letting go of little bit of Me. Carefully though, as others might not agree.

Level Four – Feelings

Now for some real communication – unwrapping how we feel.

When we share honestly how we are feeling, it is accepted for what it is and without judgement. “This is Me” my emotional stuff. Risk taking yes but so fulfilling.

People begin to see the real you, and you do too. You are beginning to see how life can be.

Level Five – Total Openness

This is the goal, not often reached.

To be totally open, sharing emotions (just how it is), with honesty and trust – becoming fully unwrapped and fully alive. 

Finding a level five is like a treasure, we want to hold on to it. Though not in a possessive way, for love is about setting the other free to be who they are too.

Thoughts that come to mind from Scripture:

from John 15:
   Remain in me, as I also remain in you.
   No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.
   As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.
   Now remain in my love.
   Love each other as I have loved you.
   I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father - 
   I have made known to you.

Philippians 2: 5
  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Matthew 22: 37-40
  Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and 
  with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. 
  And the second is like it: "Love your neighbour as yourself." 
  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

THE KEY

A tin round and deep, three-quarters full of buttons and curious things. It was not what I found that I was looking for - but still, it made me think. I found a key, small and tarnished plain and simple and of quite some age. However, this was a key of some importance, for without it, access would be prohibited.

My immediate thought was to bin it! For where would I find the lock, and would it be closed or open? In practical terms it’s most unlikely I will ever come across its partner, and then if I did and it were locked some destructive method would need to be found.

In our journey through life we pick up just about everything. We have an urge to pick up, inspect and collect all manner of things. Simple things like stones; bigger stones we just want to turn-over to see what's hiding underneath. We have a need to touch and feel things, to explore and learn, like a sponge we soak-up much more than we know.

But it's not just about possessions and a collection of shiny things, we pick up words and phrases to use again and again. There are mannerisms and attitudes, moods and parts we will play out on this enormous stage.

The more we collect the heavier the load, then we never quite know which part is the real me!  Life increases tenfold or more, if we are discerning as to what we pick up and what we keep. Understand the value of awareness, notice and respond to the things around you. To only walk in a way that brings life, to recognise and lay down that which we are carrying - that we know will only hinder. Then your road will be lighter, and your steps will have a spring. Listen to the Voice, it is the essential key.

Pearl

Mike English. New Hampshire.

There's a voice that is sweet and it's carried on the breeze,

and it whispers to me as it flows through the trees,

and it tells me of love that is greater than the world, a precious pearl.

All men have I am told in the bottom of their soul,

an empty room filled with Darkness that is very very cold,

and a lock that is steadfast and resists all man-made keys,

but was opened by the blood that our lord shed on Calvary.

Well he's waiting to come and fill that empty void within,

to give you healing and joy and release you from your sin,

well it's yours to make the choice and if you listen to that voice,

He has Conquered the world and he offers you life, a precious pearl.

Lenten Footsteps

A Journey towards life:

This is an invitation to walk with Christ through the eyes of many witnesses, the people spoken about in the bible. What was it that they saw or felt about what was happening? What was their experience of God's love, their acceptance and forgiveness.

These are short readings, concluding with a prayer of encouragement. Lent has a total of 47 days if we take Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

Many of these readings are about forgiveness, as when we recognise the extent of our forgiveness, we are transformed. Christ's words are life giving and when we see this in others, we realise it is possible in us.

The preparation of these notes has brought me great joy and learning and I pray that your footsteps through this period of Lent, will enable and increase your faith and empower you to witness to others. Remember, each footstep leaves a mark.

Link to readings. HERE