"Breathe in again, deeply. Fill yourself with the precious gift of life. Now breathe out and as you do, let go of all your anxieties, all your anger, all your resentments. Just let them go."
No, I wasn't at a yoga class last week. In fact, it was a healing mass at our local church led by Father Bernard Lee. I really wasn't sure what to expect; certainly not a priest encouraging me to control my breathing.
A packed church on a Tuesday night made me appreciate that many were eager to be part of this remarkable service. Some came in walkers; one man had bandages covering most of his face. Truth be known, I came with equal amounts of faith and suspicion.
Do people really think that they'd be cured of their disabilities? I wondered to myself.
Closer to home , did I think my gimpy knee would suddenly be 100%? Would my surreptitious cancer suddenly vanish?
The cynic in me said no. And really, isn't there a value in carrying one's cross daily rather than hoping it will float away.
As the service unfolded, I began to realize that the assembly was more about a change of heart than a change of body. It became a time for the celebration of light over darkness, love over despair, acceptance over judgement, community over isolation.
Certainly the ninety minute mass was an emotional ride and by its denouement, I was moved by the joy and peace of all assembled.
Is my knee any better? Not really.
But what is better is the faith of the community at St. Luke's and that's what I think a healing mass is all about.
Certainly the ninety minute mass was an emotional ride and by its denouement, I was moved by the joy and peace of all assembled.
Is my knee any better? Not really.
But what is better is the faith of the community at St. Luke's and that's what I think a healing mass is all about.
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