– SANCTIFY YOUR BREATHING
Ordinarily we take three meals a day to nourish the body; with greater reason we should take three meals a day to nourish the soul: BE A FIVE-ALIVE PERSON!
In Isaiah 43: 1 God says, “I have called you by name.” Inspired by the Holy Spirit, St. John reminds us that “God is love”(I Jn 4:16). Jesus says, “Know that I am with you always”(Mt 28:20).
Through baptism Jesus, the God of Love, dwells in your heart and calls you by name. Therefore, for five minutes at least three times a day, be comfortably seated, relax and for about the first three minutes simply silently in your mind to the rhythm of your breathing breathe in your first name and breathe out the words “I love you,” and know in faith, as is attested to by Scripture, that Jesus in your heart is calling you by name and saying, “I love you.”
Not only are we being created by God’s love, but we are in the process of becoming the total, fulfilled persons we are called to be through openness in faith to his unconditional love. For healing–for becoming the total person–it is extremely important for a person to know and accept that he or she is loved unconditionally: “In this have we known love, that Christ died for us while we were still sinners”(Rm 5:8). That is, Jesus does not say we have to be good to be loved; rather, we will become good–whole, holy, happy, human, free , mature, lovers, Christlike, who we are called to be, if we acccept the reality, we are loved just as we are. Also, it is extremely important to hear your name spoken and the words “I love you” for your ongoing healing.
“Harvard researchers back healing value of prayer …. Repeating a prayer can lower the heart rate, breathing rate and brain activity, and sometimes even can help someone avoid surgery, according to medical experts who are sharing their techniques at a conference this week” (Sarosota Tribune, 12/95). And so for about the last two minutes of the five-alive break, breathe in the first syllable of the word “Jesus” and breathe out the second syllable. And as you breathe “Jesus,” immediately bring and release to him whatever burden, temptation, trial, anxiety or fear that comes to mind–that challenges you. Jesus says “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you” (Mt 11: 28). “Jesus” means Savior, and in Hebrew Savior means Healer. Remember, like taking your fingers off of a hot iron, immediately bring and release the burden–whatever the challenge–to him and concentrate on Jesus as you continue to breathe his Name.
End the five-minute break by praising and thanking the Lord for his healing love within you. Incorporate this simple spiritual breathing exercise into your schedule at least three times a day, and you will increasingly realize the Fruits of the Holy Spirit–”love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control”(Gal 5:22, 23)–in your life. Jesus says, “My Father has been glorified in your bearing much fruit and becoming my disciples” (Jn 15: 8). BE A FIVE-ALIVE PERSON!
Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to the five-minute breaks; any time, anywhere, as long as you are breathing, you can exercise healing faith by breathing “Jesus,” always immediately bring and release to him whatever burden, temptation, trial, anxiety or fear that comes to mind.
Finally, begin now by breathing “Jesus” to program yourself for your final departure day from this world. For the greatest peace and assurance on your final departure bed, all you need do is breathe “Jesus.” To your final breath you can have the confidence and assurance that faith in Jesus promises: “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you” (Mt 11: 28). “Lord, you keep in perfect peace the person whose mind is stayed on you”(Is 26:3).
Fr. Charles Van Winkle, C.S.C.