.
Brothers and sisters, your faith has been a great comfort to us in the middle of our own troubles and sorrows; now we can breathe again, as you are still holding firm in the Lord. 1 Thess 3:7
Paul’s friendly and affirming notes to his friends in Greece continue. His only apprehension is that they might lose awareness of the firm embrace with which Jesus is protecting them.
I like the reference to breathing. I know from my own experience that when I get a bit nervous or worried my breathing becomes shallow. Often in those moments I can’t immediately change the thing I’m worried about, but I can take a few deep breaths, perhaps a yawn or two to really get the oxygen filling my lungs, and immediately things feel a bit better.
The deep breathing doesn’t magically resolve my anxiety, but at least I’m breathing again.
Sometimes when I don’t feel like praying I simply become aware of my breathing. Pretty soon I’m realising again that I am not giving myself that breath, I am not the creator. I am not God, Instead I become deeply aware that a power other than me is choosing in this moment to give me breath and life. I am being created.
And when I am pondering thoughts such as these I realise I am praying.
So wonderful to wake up and find these daily reflections again. I am sitting with a cup of tea listening to the Concert programme/ breathing, reflecting and feeling protected by God.
Amen
That has really woken me up to God.
It links so beautifully with yesterday s talk of being powered by God.
I am excited by this. Becoming aware of my breath has just taken on a whole new and wonderful meaning. I have a new way to pray. Thank you.
Love the spontaneous reflections during lockdown. Today is very short, sweet, and straight to the point. My God bless you and your team for this powerful work. Amen
Thanks for todays great reflection. Very wise thoughts.
There is a modern song with the words in it just breath I have always like those words. After all isn’t that what life is breathing . If we just breath we are living and we don’t need to fret. Breathing connects us with life and the creator of as you say thanks. Good to have these reflections again.
Thank you. Amen.
Breathing is going back to basics for us humans. It feels good to be reminded of this when we feel unsettled in these times of uncertainty. Thanks for the reminder
Thank you Fr John for your inspirational reflections. They are like a light shining in the darkness these days. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity in sharing your thoughts with us.
Thanks! Perhaps putting our trust in God as unborn child/ren (yesterday’s psalm) depend on her/ his/ their oxygen supply from their mother. Fragile lung tissues are the last to develop for a full-term child, yet vital for powering our metabolism. The breath/ power of the Holy Spirit is known in the Jewish Bible, and gift to the Church at Pentecost. May our breath empower our bodies to be sources of kind, thoughtful words for others, including the unborn who hear us.
Breathe on me Lord,
through Thy Holy Spirit,
That I be covered in
your protection,in my
Waking and sleeping.
My inhaler, is of use to me,
ButTHE HOLY SPIRIT is
an Everlasting lifegiving breath
To protect me spiritually,in life.
Thankyou Fr John,I will be reminded of the HOLY SPIRIT,each time
I use my inhaler. I will smile.