The Jesus Path Through the Pandemic
Help for Anxious Times
At 82, I (Paul) have not seen a time when fear has raged in such hurricane proportions around the world. Is it true, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s word to America enmeshed in World War II, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”? Jesus knew how relevant his command to “fear not” would be throughout the ages, considering he often repeated it. And it is repeated in various forms more than 300 times in the Bible. How does this “fear not” work its way into our anxious lives during this time of global upheaval?
These simple two words are easy enough to say, but much more difficult to live—especially when your neighbors are hoarding all the toilet paper! In moments like this, the collective energy around us often takes on a frenetic frequency. We feel the nervousness of those around us and can so easily be pulled down into the frenzy of self-preservation. The fear creeps in, and we see others as threats or competition for the things we need.
At the same time, in this specific situation with quarantines and “social distancing,” we may also find a different tenor of anxiety. Suddenly our schedules are cleared, usual distractions and entertainments are canceled, there is nowhere to go, nothing to do. And we are left with ourselves and the thing we never have quite enough—time. What do we do with ourselves when there are no problems to be solved, no lists to be checked, no agenda to accomplish? For some, that’s a scary thought!
Of course, for others, that may sound wonderful! But in the actual experience, how do we keep from just reaching for further distractions, creating new projects, and finding other ways to pass the time? Can we remain conscious and see the gift that is before us, despite the fears and worries of such uncertain times?
This is certainly not to discount the fears that arise in the uncertainty of shifting job situations, how bills will get paid, and all the other questions that are emerging around our basic securities and necessities.
In light of all of these reasons to fear, how do we live out of the Christ consciousness that actually empowers us to “fear not”? How did Jesus live through fear?
Being a Transmitter of Love
Jesus transmitted healing love and energy wherever he was. He pushed back sickness and death as far as it would go. But even Lazarus had to die twice! We are not freed from fear because we think we will always be physically healed. But instead, this energy of love itself transforms us into being able to live from a deeper center beneath the fear.
He offers that energy to us if we can receive it. Fear constricts us in upon ourselves. Love and hope unfurl us into emanators of healing and care just like Jesus was. As we get acquainted with the reality of Jesus’ presence and healing, loving energy, we can be transmitters, too. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing.
This is the opposite of unconscious mob energy, but an uplifting consciousness that we can send to those around us—especially in the midst of collective fear. Living and transmitting from this center is dwelling in Christ consciousness that infuses and permeates our bodies, our surroundings, and our relationships. We are not alone in this. The more we share in that energy with others, the stronger it gets, whether that be with others in the Body of Christ or the spiritual guides in the great cloud of witnesses.
Waking Up (to) Jesus
Jesus invited others to get in touch with spiritual realities that would transform their lives. This means moving past theologies, Bible studies, and discussion groups to move into the dynamic collective energy of others who are on the mystical journey of experience God and the spiritual realities that Jesus introduced us to.
Many have still not woken up to the presence of The Living Jesus or other spiritual guides who are with them all the time, ready to offer help and support. It’s when the waves rise and the storm is thrashing that we most recognize our need to reach out for God. Is Jesus asleep in the boat in the midst of the storm? Or is it we who are asleep to the presence of Jesus and our spiritual guides already here with us now?
Jesus did this himself when he went to the Mount of Transfiguration with his three closest friends to talk with his long-dead spiritual guides, Moses and Elijah. We do the same in our WeSpace groups. We can share our fears with our living companions for support and encouragement. And then in practice, we can receive comfort and be held by our spiritual guides who have passed through death already.
Fear of Death
Jesus offers us his model of dealing with death. Our title for this article, The Jesus Path Through the Pandemic, reminds us that Jesus did not go under with his struggle with death. Nor did he try to go over it, denying or ignoring it. He went through it, fully engaging it. We can, too.
Being awake to his guides, Jesus turned to them at the Transfiguration to talk about his upcoming death. They had already passed through death and so were able to offer help in ways that no one else could. The experience seemed to have a profound effect on Jesus, filling him with energy and a new sense of being heading into his movement toward the cross.
Then Jesus wrestled with not wanting to die in his extended prayer in Gethsemane. He turned to his personal connection with his abba, his God who was present there with him. While he asked to be spared, he eventually took the cup he was to drink. He was able to face the crucifixion while showing compassion to the mob, the soldiers who crucified him, and those in sorrow around him.
Health scares bring out our struggle beyond the disruption of our lives and fear of the loss of loved ones. This is our own struggle with death. For most of my life, I (Paul) was terrified of dying. I panicked even to think of dying. Any thought of it brought a sinking feeling in my solar plexus. So I tried not to think about it. Tricky to do as a pastor who was by the bedside of the dying and conducting hundreds of funerals!
It was not until I got in touch with my repressed emotions, releasing a flood of devotional love for God and mystical awakening, that my fear of death was replaced by the dynamic felt presence of Abba God and Jesus.
Today we have a revolutionary reality in Jesus’ Resurrection. He is with all of us now without limitations of time and space. He offers us the companionship of his spiritual presence as one who faced suffering and death himself. We can know that he understands the struggles we have because he went through it all himself. 1 John 14:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.” Let Jesus, in the reality of his spiritual presence, love you.
A Practice of “Fearing Not”
1. Move to your heart.
Fear is often located in the head or the gut. Move your awareness to your deep heart to feel the energy of your radiant heart center emanating love and bliss.
2. Turn to your guides
Become aware of the presence of Jesus or other spirit guides who are with you. Let them comfort you. Offer your hand to be held, your nerves to be soothed, your being to find peace.
3. Become a transmitter of peace
Take the energy that you have received and offer it to those around you. It is not just for you, but so that you may be a person of peace and love in this time of trouble. In this way, you share the light of Christ with a fearful world.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:2-3