XXXII.
BREATHE ON ME BREATH OF GOD
(4/15)
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.” (John 20:20-22)
On Easter night, Jesus’ followers were sheltering in place for fear of the political and religious authorities. They had heard that Christ had risen. But they still were afraid. The resurrection does not deny the reality of death or dissolve our fear of death. Resurrection places death in the context of God’s love. So, we can both afraid and anxious and also calm and hopeful as we face the pandemic.
Sheltered in place, the disciples are shocked when Jesus appears, breathing on his followers and giving them his peace. Jesus revives their spirits. His spiritual CPR revives their spirits and gives them the courage to go out into the world sharing God’s good news.
Jesus breathed on his first followers and he breathes on us too. In awakening to Jesus breathing in and through us, we are spiritually revived and able to face the challenges of living in fearful condition
God breathes over the waters and earth emerges. Jesus breathes in us and we come alive. Today, take time to breathe deeply (in appropriate places such as your home or a solitary place). Imagine God breathing in and through you, giving you life and energy, placing you in the center of God’s love and connecting you with all creation.
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Breathe on me breath of God, fill me with life anew. Breathe on me that I might be filled with the energy of your love. Let me breathe your love with all creation. Amen
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