Last week, we looked at the idea of expansion through the lens of the initial encounters between the risen Jesus and the disciples as found in the Gospel of John. Through that version of the story, we were reminded that sometimes we need to stretch ourselves to embody discipleship and that we can trust the presence of the Holy Spirit in this work. We were also reminded that there are gifts that come with expansion.
Expansion is a blessing. Still, to continually engage in expansion, to continually stretch our bodies, reaching out with hope and expectation, without pause, can ultimately be harmful. Stretching has its limitations, if only temporarily.
And so, this week we turn to a parallel story of encounter as told in the Gospel of Luke. In this version of the story, we are still told of how the disciples needed to expand their worldview to understand how Jesus came to be among them. In this version, however, there is no immediate sending, no need for them to step outside the room to proclaim the Good News before they have had a chance to eat and, perhaps literally and metaphorically, digest what is happening. Through this story in Luke, we hear a pause, a contraction of sorts, where the disciples are given a chance to take it all in, to hear anew the scriptures related to Jesus, and to have a meal with him.
Drawing from the Six Postures of Prayer on which this sermon series is based, contraction begins by exhaling – letting go of tension, releasing whatever might be holding us in expansion. Contraction invites us inward to contemplation. This moment is about comfort, peace, and introspection: taking in what we are experiencing, hearing anew the scriptures, and being nourished.
Moving into contraction is the invitation and challenge to be mindful in our experiences. This is that opportunity to pay attention to our senses. What are we seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching? How are our senses contributing to the moment? To what extent does pausing to pray as we light the Pascal candle invite us into an awareness of its purpose and symbolism? How does lighting candles representing our own prayers influence our experience and understanding of prayer? In what ways does a final prayer as we extinguish the candles invite us to go forth in a way that is intentional and transformative? How else can we be mindful, contemplative, and intentional in the ways we embody our faith?
How else can we be mindful, contemplative, and intentional in the ways we embody our faith? Who prayed for the yard sale this weekend? Perhaps for good weather, resilient volunteers, and lots of shoppers. Who has recently used any of the prayer practices suggested over Lent? Perhaps offering breathe prayers, walking prayers, cleaning prayers, and/or random acts of kindness as prayer? How else have we been mindful, contemplative, and intentional in the ways we embody our faith?
What would it look like to have a prayer available in the clothing cupboard that could be used by volunteers? Can we imagine the impact of praying before and/or after working in the cupboard? What might that prayer be like? How might it lift up the needs of those who come to the cupboard? Would it give thanks for the gifts shared? In what ways does surrounding the cupboard in prayer transform the feel and experience of the space?
How else can we be mindful, contemplative, and intentional in the ways we embody our faith? What has it been like to talk about faith, and invite people? Bonnie shared a wonderful story about promoting the clothing cupboard while at Walmart last week. We did see some wonderful visitors in our Holy Week services. There is another opportunity to invite as we engage in Earth Day themed wonky worship next week. What is it like to be intentional in talking about faith with others, to share our experiences, and to create space for invitation, questions, and possibilities to take shape?
How else can we be mindful, contemplative, and intentional in the ways we embody our faith? Even as we move to contraction today, the potential for expansion remains. By turning inward, we can be nourished in ways that strengthen our experience and can inspire a longing to share. What that looks like will be unique to each person.
Contraction offers moments to pause, turn inward, reflect on scriptures, and seek nourishment. May these moments inspire and challenge even as they bring comfort, peace, and introspection. This we pray as we sing: (VT) 332 In Christ Alone.
