THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

John 14:23-29

When Jesus offered his peace to his disciples it was not an easy or tranquil moment, in fact, it was a dangerous and frightening time. But despite this or maybe because of it, Jesus offered his disciples his peace. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” How utterly compassionate Jesus was. He was offering his peace to the the hearts of his brothers and sisters in real time.

   I would say the same for us today. Times now are far from peaceful. It seems societal duress never ends, and war and suffering are interminable. We all face empathetic exhaustion. But Jesus wants us, his faithful followers, not to live in anxiety and stress but to live in peace. How absolutely soothing it is to imagine him saying, “Do not let your hearts for troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

   I recently listened to a podcast with Dr. Lisa Miller; the author of a book called “The Awakened Brain.” In her research she has discovered that all people are born with the innate capacity to be spiritual. She doesn’t mean just be being religious, but any path that promotes connection with the Divine Source – what we call God. She says that those who embrace a spiritual way of life develop a part of their brain that supports a more peaceful and fulfilling living. She says that those who do not have a spiritual life are more susceptible to depression, anxiety and addiction. Our spiritual life does the opposite by creating resilience and meaning that sustains us during all the challenges life throws at us.

   This seems to be what Jesus is offering to his disciples – a path of spiritual connection that will sustain them through the trials and travails they will face. And of course, it is for us too. We are invited into communion with Jesus as we participate in the Holy Eucharist each week and as we share the peace of Christ, as well as through all the meaningful ways we serve Jesus by caring for others.

   I haven’t always known the peace of Christ. In fact, for much of my life I felt very alone and bereft of a loving divine parent. Bad things happened to me and I was not protected or guided or supported in any way. What else could I feel?

   When I was 24, I went to my first yoga class and at the end of it, as I lay in final relaxation, I felt a great in-flooding of peace – an experience of oneness with all that is. It was a very powerful experience that changed my life. I wanted to understand what had happened and find a way to access this peace, what we might call the peace that passes all understanding.

   In my spiritual quest I didn’t even consider investigating Christianity. I did not equate Christianity with spirituality.  I certainly didn’t think that Christians were peaceful or having direct experiences with the divine.

   So, I delved into the eastern traditions, which have as their goal mystical engagement with the Divine Source. My spiritual journey was rich and meaningful and surprisingly, eventually led me to a church. It was Jesus who won my heart forever. His care for the least, so embedded in his teachings, is unlike any other path. I fell in love with his compassion, and it has led me to a life steeped in spirituality and meaning. In fact, I recently realized that my 70th year was the best year of my life. 

   I see the deep sustaining faith and spiritual life of many people in our churches. I love traveling around this county, participating in services at the different churches and experiencing the kindness and goodness of these congregations. I can see the fruits of a life focused on God and service. There is a sincerity and generosity of spirit that runs through communities. This is what the world needs now more than ever – a deep committed spiritual life that brings us peace in the face of adversity.

   Possibly you, like me, have family members who have not found a spiritual life.  Maybe you could take them for a walk at the beach and just marvel at the beauty of creation. Maybe you could help them see moments of synchronicity that led to better life choices. Encouraging our loved ones to find deeper meaning in life or to be on the lookout for God to show up might be the greatest gift we can offer.

   I facilitate a seminary program in California Men’s Colony, the local prison. Every week one of the men shares his story of how God is working in their life. These stories inspire us all to think outside the box and see God in new ways. Their faith certainly sustains them and is a lifeline for a better future.

   I now know that God was in my life even when I was suffering.  I understand now that even though God loves us God does not prevent the dangerous and frightening things from happening. I wish it were different, but life shows this to be the truth. And we also know that God continuously offers us his peace. It is up to us take in the peace that Jesus offers us.

   I will end with a beautiful quote from James Finley, one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time:

"If we are absolutely grounded in the absolute love of God that protects us from nothing even as it sustains us in all things, then we can face all things with courage and tenderness and touch the hurting places in others and in ourselves with love."

Sister Greta