You don’t need me to tell you that life is hard. Day after day we are confronted with both external and internal challenges. Because we are people of good will, we attempt to be a healing presence in the world and in our homes. Undoubtedly, God works through us; we make a difference! We must be careful, however, that we don’t become depleted and burn out. Jesus faced this very challenge himself, and he models for us how we ought to replenish our our spirits in this story from Mark 1:21-39
“When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’
He told them, ‘Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.’ So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.”
Of course, what we need to notice here is the fact that Jesus “…rose early before dawn and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.” The energy, strength, and love that emanated from Jesus came from his communion with God. What was true for him is true for us. Our capacity to be a healing presence and a force for good is not self-generated. It flows from God to us and through us. Many years ago, a spiritual mentor said to me, “If your service to the Assisi Institute is to be fruitful, and if you are going to avoid spiritual exhaustion, you must enter into silent communion with God each and every day.” I took those words to heart. As pencils in the hands of God, we must place ourselves in God’s hands everyday! Yogananda tells us,
“God is not to be earned. He has only to be sought. Meditation is the only way. Beliefs, reading books — these cannot give you realization. … Meditation brings proof of the existence of God. … The more you meditate the more you will feel the endless joy of God. Spiritual advancement is not to be measured by one’s display of outward powers, but solely by the depth of his bliss in meditation. Meditation must be practiced every day. Start now! Do not look to the future. Begin this very moment to think of God. In this thought you are a king. Why be a prisoner of mortal moods and habits? To carry out one’s resolutions is a constant battle. Never give up your good resolutions.”
Jesus, Yogananda,
Masters of our hearts,
You taught us the way
So that we can be
Pencils in your hands.
