Scripture

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.   Hebrews 10:24–25 NIV

Spiritual Focus

“God came to my house and asked for charity. And I fell on my knees and cried, ‘Beloved, what may I give?’ ‘Just love’, He said. ‘Just love.’”

St. Francis of Assisi, Translated by Daniel Ladinsky

Devotion

Communicatio Santorum is a beautiful Latin phrase that means “community of saints.” Many of us think of God as singular, but from the very beginning of Scripture God speaks of community within himself—within what we refer to as the godhead. In Genesis 1:26 God says, “Let us make humankind in our image.” The triune God and heavenly hosts value and create community.

We were fashioned in God’s image, and that involves being in relationship with God and with each other because none of us can get through life on our own. When relationships break down we falter, and our faith reminds us to step back from actions that remove us from being in loving community.

In yoga we are encouraged to BE, and that includes being still. Many Christians are uncomfortable with stillness, believing on the basis of James 2:14–19 that faith not backed up by continuous, and even frenetic, activity is a dead faith. James’s point is valid and important, of course, but the healthy Godly life entails a “both/and” balance when it comes to contemplation and action, stillness and movement. We practice being present to God while savoring that relationship. And we learn from the life of Jesus how to live in community, how to move from stillness to action, all the while loving our neighbor. In this way we encourage each other both to BE and to DO good deeds motivated by love.

Breath Prayer

Inhale | Just

Exhale | Love

Focus Pose: This week bring balance to your life by practicing yoga both on and off your mat. On your mat find a time each day to BE present to God in stillness. Set a timer and commit yourself to this discipline each day. Off the mat find a time and place to DO in loving community. Perhaps you find this community in your family, your neighborhood, or your church. The practice—the part that takes work—is to be fully present while you are in community. Listen actively, participating without expectations or judgments; but most important, just love.