Hanging Out With Jesus
Even for a usually pretty positive person, it’s hard to deny that we live in scary times. We live with the threat of nuclear annihilation, massive earthquakes, rampant wildfires, unprecedented pollution of our oceans and the very air we breathe; not to mention sexual exploitation of women and children which is no longer hidden from view, systemic racism which has debilitated our neighbours, and homelessness in our cities that is our shame. That’s just some of the dark side.
We have also one of the most liberal, most socially progressive societies the world has ever recorded. We have in Canada a “Charter of Rights and Freedoms” that is the envy of most of the rest of the world. We support a myriad of charitable organizations and movements generously. Our church, the United Church of Canada is at the forefront of social change demanding social justice for all. This is the light side.
There’s a big fight going on. The struggle between the dark and the light in our world is very real, and the calls for unitive thinking are being largely unheard amongst our people. What we do seem to understand, thanks to the teachings of Jesus, is that we cannot afford the luxury of fighting the darkness with swords in our hands and hatred in our hearts. This is not his Way – and as followers of Jesus, it is not our way.
We know what NOT to do. We don’t, most of us, know WHAT to do! Oh we give generously to charities, we do our best to clothe the naked and feed the hungry. But we don’t know how to change things, we live in fear of making too much noise, or speaking truth to power. And I don’t pretend to know either.
But it occurred to me one day, that we do know someone who sees more clearly than we do, who knows what’s really going on better than we do. We know a lot about this person – but many of us have had no actual experience of him. I’m speaking of course, about Jesus of Nazareth – a Jew, born of a woman more that 2000 years ago who brought us the new thinking that would change the world.
Yes BUT, I hear you saying, he died 2000 years ago, after a very brief ministry that profoundly affected the whole world. How can I meet him now, after he is long gone, and hear his words, and be his instrument in the world?
We are so limited by the self-imposed concept of linear time. Many of us are unable to entertain the idea that Jesus, who died about 2000 years ago can be experienced in us, with us, today. Most of us have had no conscious contact with him. We know about him, but we don’t know him. “Hanging out with Jesus” will change all that. I know because I am not different from any of you, and I am doing this practice daily, and I am feeling his presence in some way every time I do it.
Jesus is my friend. He affirms and strengthens me as I spend time with him each day. Whether or not you know it, he is your friend too – just waiting to be turned to, to be sought out – waiting to be invited in to your heart and your life.
This technique is not difficult, nor is it lacking in scriptural integrity. Jesus told us to pray, and he meditated often. Paul told us to “pray without ceasing”. Opening ourselves up to the Divine is how we can grow spiritually. I hope you will try it. You have nothing to lose, and much to gain.
Hanging Out with Jesus – Karen May, DLM
This is an easy, uncomplicated spiritual practice for followers of Jesus. It’s not hard. NO STRESS!
Even for a usually pretty positive person, it’s hard to deny that we live in scary times. We live with the threat of nuclear annihilation, massive earthquakes, rampant wildfires, unprecedented pollution of our oceans and the very air we breathe; not to mention sexual exploitation of women and children which is no longer hidden from view, systemic racism which has debilitated our neighbours, and homelessness in our cities that is our shame. That’s just some of the dark side.
We have also one of the most liberal, most socially progressive societies the world has ever recorded. We have in Canada a “Charter of Rights and Freedoms” that is the envy of most of the rest of the world. We support a myriad of charitable organizations and movements generously. Our church, the United Church of Canada is at the forefront of social change demanding social justice for all. This is the light side.
There’s a big fight going on. The struggle between the dark and the light in our world is very real, and the calls for unitive thinking are being largely unheard amongst our people. What we do seem to understand, thanks to the teachings of Jesus, is that we cannot afford the luxury of fighting the darkness with swords in our hands and hatred in our hearts. This is not his Way – and as followers of Jesus, it is not our way.
We know what NOT to do. We don’t, most of us, know WHAT to do! Oh we give generously to charities, we do our best to clothe the naked and feed the hungry. But we don’t know how to change things, we live in fear of making too much noise, or speaking truth to power. And I don’t pretend to know either.
But it occurred to me one day, that we do know someone who sees more clearly than we do, who knows what’s really going on better than we do. We know a lot about this person – but many of us have had no actual experience of him. I’m speaking of course, about Jesus of Nazareth – a Jew, born of a woman more that 2000 years ago who brought us the new thinking that would change the world.
Yes BUT, I hear you saying, he died 2000 years ago, after a very brief ministry that profoundly affected the whole world. How can I meet him now, after he is long gone, and hear his words, and be his instrument in the world?
We are so limited by the self-imposed concept of linear time. Many of us are unable to entertain the idea that Jesus, who died about 2000 years ago can be experienced in us, with us, today. Most of us have had no conscious contact with him. We know about him, but we don’t know him. “Hanging out with Jesus” will change all that. I know because I am not different from any of you, and I am doing this practice daily, and I am feeling his presence in some way every time I do it.
Jesus is my friend. He affirms and strengthens me as I spend time with him each day. Whether or not you know it, he is your friend too – just waiting to be turned to, to be sought out – waiting to be invited in to your heart and your life.
This technique is not difficult, nor is it lacking in scriptural integrity. Jesus told us to pray, and he meditated often. Paul told us to “pray without ceasing”. Opening ourselves up to the Divine is how we can grow spiritually. I hope you will try it. You have nothing to lose, and much to gain.
Hanging Out with Jesus – Karen May, DLM
This is an easy, uncomplicated spiritual practice for followers of Jesus. It’s not hard. NO STRESS!
- Find bit of time daily to be alone, undisturbed.
- Make a cup of favourite warm beverage.
- Sit in comfortable chair, wrapped in warm shawl or blanket.
- Turn off all electronic devices (quiet music if you like)
- Breathe. Take several deep, slow breaths and set your intention to “hang out with Jesus” right now.
- Seek him with your mind. Open your heart to his presence, let him know you want to meet him.
- Words not necessary. Can use sacred word if you find helpful to refocus. Eg MARANATHA (come Lord).
- Be gentle with yourself. When your mind wanders (and it will!) just bring it back to your intention. Use word if helpful.
- LISTEN! As you make the connection you may HEAR, SEE or FEEL his presence. NOTICE WHAT YOU NOTICE. I keep a notebook by my side to jot down insights or guidance I may be given.
- Be GRATEFUL – for the love that surrounds you, and the teaching that may have been given to you. Jesus knows what you need to know and will teach you if you are willing. He will strengthen and inspire you for whatever your day may bring.
- Set your intention now to repeat this practice tomorrow.
