From Steve Hammond, Principal

Chapel Reflection

October 18, 2006

"Use the Force, Luke"

In the legendary Star Wars film, the Jedi Master Obe-Wan Kenobi reminded young Luke Skywalker to "Use the Force." Obe-Wan warned the young apprentice not to be overcome by the Dark Side of Fear as it is often times more powerful than we can know. As the Jedi Master, Obe-Wan knew and understood the power of the positive side of the Force - and was looking to help the young apprentice understand and use that positive side in his life.

Today's Gospel is from the Gospel of Luke. In this reading, we learn about the very real and authentic force upon which the concept of the Star Wars movies was fashioned: The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our Force and to understand its power, we must think about the Dark Side as it applies to us today.

Fear is an emotion that affects us all. It warns us when there is something harmful in our surroundings, and having that sense of fear can serve to protect us. Such fear is not a bad thing. Many years ago, our ancestors were roaming around "hunting and gathering" in tribes and bands, out in the wilds of nature. If tribe members saw a beast, it was a signal to do one of two things: Run like crazy, or stay and fight. This "fight or flight" response is one we are born with - one that comes naturally to humans. Therefore, when humans encounter fear, they always have the choice to make one of the two decisions.

There are times today we find fear to be a helpful emotion. If you are on a railroad track and sense fear because a big train is quickly coming at you, fear is good. You've got a decision. Fight or Flight. Are you going to stay on the tracks and fight with that train? (I hope not because the train is going win.) It is time to get off the tracks. Remember: Such fear is not a bad thing.

But what if you were so scared that you found yourself paralyzed with fear? Soon, you would have an intimate relationship with a thousand tons of steel! Remember: Fear is not a bad thing. Being controlled by fear is. There are times when you should get off the tracks.

As human beings we carry the basic emotion of fear into our relationships and when we do, it almost always has a negative effect. Fear in our relationships is usually built upon a belief that there is not enough of something to go around. Many tend to think, "There might not be enough of that for me." Some worry, "This/that person may take away my freedom, power, or fun." When we feel our basic needs won't be met, we then feel limited control of our own lives. And when faced with limited control, we are compelled to do one thing - we are compelled to act. We act in order to recapture some element of control in our lives.

Sometimes our resulting actions take us to the dark side of fear. When this happens, we may choose not to share, we may criticize someone, we make fun of others and call them names - these behaviors are reflective of the dark side and they are always built upon fear.

When fear infects our lives and relationships, we are then filled with feelings that can lead to bad choices. When we are not getting what we want in a relationship, we may feel embarrassment, jealousy, anger, or even resentment. These feelings can lead to actions such as pouting, sulking, whining, throwing a tantrum, crying, verbal aggression or even physical fighting. All of these are negative behaviors are born out of fear. It is important to recognize and to understand that often times, we simply need not be afraid.

In today's Gospel by Luke, we must listen and hear what Jesus is saying. Jesus was telling his disciple and friend, "Use the force, Luke." Jesus was telling Luke, "Do not be fearful of what you say when you profess me to even the highest authority." The Holy Spirit will be there to give you the words. Do not be afraid.

Jesus continually reassured his disciples and followers not to be afraid. He most often greeted them with words like: Fear not. Peace. Do not be afraid. In the words of Obi-Wan, Jesus was saying, "Don't go to the Dark Side."

In today's Gospel Luke, the Evangelist and Gospel writer, tells us that Jesus wants each of us to use the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit is as real as Jesus himself and as real as God the Father. Jesus encourages us to have faith that the Holy Spirit is ready to serve when called upon.

We can understand these marvelous words of Jesus, but how do we eliminate fear in our lives? What about a practical suggestion or two?

First, I would suggest that you take the time to study your feelings of fear through self-reflection. Simply stepping out of yourself and looking back into your heart to analyze the feeling is a very powerful exercise. Most people can't or never try this. They may lack the courage for self analysis, or they simply don't know that they have the power to self-reflect. But the truly wisest people develop the art of self reflection and you, too, will be among the wise.

Remember that your feelings are your own. No one can tell you what to feel or even how to feel. When you truly reflect upon your feelings, take the next step to verbalize what you find. Using simple "I Statements" can help you capture what it is that you fear. "I feel scared that I will not have any friends at the playground." "I feel lonely when my mom is out of town." "I feel sad that others will think I am weak." Remember - your feelings are your own. Once you recognize them as such, you can then develop your plan to do away with the underlying fear.

After self reflection and I-Statements, think of what you really want in the given situation or relationship. If what you want is appropriate and not harmful to anyone, develop a plan to get it. Develop a plan that is respectful of yourself and of others.

Some people live their lives with the idea that there is not enough stuff to go around - that there is a scarcity of resources. They think there is not enough love, power, freedom, or materials. They live in fear that they might not get their share of the 'stuff.'

But there are other people who live life with the idea that there is plenty to go around! These are the people who understand the notion of abundance. They know that there is plenty to go around and there always will be. They know that in trusting the Holy Spirit, the few fish and loaves of bread will be transformed into enough food to feed thousands.

Live your life from the perspective of abundance! Do not be controlled by fear. And when you develop the ability to control your fear, (rather than being controlled by it) you fear no more. There is nothing to fear.

God is in control. The force of the Holy Spirit is here for you. Remember to "Use the Force" to control and remove the fear in your lives. Without being chained to fear, that emotion that shackle us to unhappiness, misery, and even tragedy - we are left to experience God's exhilarating power and freedom. We are left to feel God's love that energizes, enlivens, and guides us toward our boundless and highest destiny!