THE POWER OF LETTING GO

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C: Acts 14:21-27, Psalm 144(145):8-13a, Apocalypse 21:1-5, John 13:31-33,34-35

In the year 1999 my family realised that there was no way we could make progress living in the house of a witch. We needed to let go of that house! Yes, it was necessary! While God protected our lives from many spiritual attacks, there was literally no material progress living in that house. Worse still, we were in debts and lacked the finances to leave. We had to borrow: it was really rough but God saw us through. After we left, we realised we just escaped a great bondage! Sometimes the things we fear not to happen are the very things that will spark our progress and ignite growth in us. Many have died prematurely because they couldn’t let go. Many don’t make physical and spiritual progress because there’s something or someone they need to let go. Yes, situations we find ourselves sometimes make it difficult to let go and be free. But today the Word of God teaches us the power of letting go and how to let go. If you’re interested, read slowly…

John 13:31-33,34-35

When Judas had gone Jesus said: ‘Now has the Son of Man been glorified, and in him God has been glorified. If God has been glorified in him,God will in turn glorify him in himself, and will glorify him very soon. ‘My little children, I shall not be with you much longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another; just as I have loved you, you also must love one another. By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples.’

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

1. Child of God, the absence of Judas might appear simplistic but it is laden with meaning. Jesus did not wish Judas to end badly. He made several attempts to restrain him from his evil plans by exposing him, even though indirectly, but Judas was hell bent on his thoughts. But Jesus had to let go:

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (Jn 13: 26-27)

With these last words, which sounded like: “Judas do your worst!”, Jesus let go of him. And when Judas left, two significant progress was recorded:

a. When Judas left, Jesus speaks about his “suffering” as “Glory”.

Even though Judas leaving was to betray Jesus which will lead to his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus calls it his moment of Glory because his actions would fulfill scriptures- it would spark the accomplishment of his destiny, bringing redemption- which is the reason why He came in the first place!

b. When Judas left, a new commandment was given.

Yes, Judas leaving would create grounds for the birth of the new commandment of love: not just to love your neighbour as yourself as commanded in the Book of the Law (Lev 19:18) but to love as Jesus loves us. This commandment would be the new sign of Christian identity: by (this type of Love) people will know they are disciples of Jesus. With this new criteria for identification, the code for identification as a disciple of Jesus was ‘updated’, like when the verification code to access one’s account is updated; such that without it access is denied and one is considered an intruder. We could say therefore that the 11 other apostles received this update (this growth) except Judas.

2. To make progress in life as well, you need to know when and how to let go of certain things or some persons in your life, otherwise you would remain in perpetual infancy or bondage. Many things could pose as challenge causing you fear to take that bold step. Jesus had that experience as well. He knew the consequences of letting Judas go. In his humanity, Jesus feared the humiliation and death that will come his way. He also knew the repercussion that will befall Judas. He had already said:

“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Matt 26:24)

Yet, he let go of Judas! You have to let that thing go! You have to let that ‘friend’ go! You have to let that ‘man’ go! You have to let that ‘woman’ go! Yes it’s time to leave that ‘abusive marriage’ or you will leave with your death! For the early church to expand and flourish, Paul and Barnabas had to ‘let go’ Jewish territories that were hostile to the infant church, thus opening door of faith to the Gentiles. As the book of revelation reveals: It was only after the old world had gone, that is, only after ‘the first heaven and first earth had disappeared’ that the voice of the One sitting on the throne spoke, saying: ‘Now I am making the whole of creation new.’ (Cf Rev 21:1-5). You must ‘let go’ of old structures of bondage in your life before new structures can spring forth.

3. How do I know it’s time to let go, you ask me? 

There are many signs but I will discuss only three I consider major. When you notice these signs in your relationship with others, then be aware it is time to let go:

a. When you don’t feel safe physically, emotionally, and spiritually around that person or thing.

Scripture says: “do two move together unless they have agreed to do so? (Cf. Amos 3:3) the answer is No! Light and darkness have nothing in common, both cannot exist together, but separately. You can’t stay with a friend or spouse practicing occultism or witchcraft. If they don’t demand for your life today, they will definitely tomorrow. Likewise you can’t stay in an abusive relationship or marriage. Physical or emotional abuse is dangerous, it will come for your life someday! There’s something called “lawful separation of Marriage” in the Catholic Church- a separation from bed and home, while the marriage bond remains and both spouse cannot remarry until death of one of the spouses (Cf. Canons 1151-1155).

b. When that person or thing drains your energy negatively, it’s time to let go!

Yes, we all have both physical and spiritual energies. And as we know, energy is the capacity to do work. Anything that drains your energy negatively does not add value to your life. A relationship is supposed to ‘recharge and rejuvenate you’ because as you expend your energy towards the other person, you should receive energy also from that person. If you’re always feeling discomforts, pains, sorrow, negative energies or vibes around someone, it’s time to go. Yes, Ice cream needs a cool environment to retain its form. If it goes near fire, it loses it form! Let go now and keep your sanity!

c. When you can’t see a future around the person or thing, it time to let go!

Seeing a future with someone require high intuition and discernment, hence is not something open to everyone. While some have the ability to “see far” or project into the future, some don’t but judge or accept things as they come. Nevertheless, the ability of seeing a future with someone depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for something long-term and can’t find such qualities in that thing or in someone, then it’s time to let go!

TASK

Make an introspection into your life and evaluate everything: family, friends, job, relationships, business, etc. Weighing them on the 3 scales outlined above and see that which you must let go. The fear of losing that person or thing may come. For instance, the fear of losing an illicit relationship could mean losing a source of income. But shun that fear and move on! Say to that voice causing you to fear: Get behind me satan, that which you suggest is not from God! (repeat 3 times). You need to let it go that something new may develop in you.

I Pray for you:

May the Lord Jesus who teaches us the Power of letting go empower you now to let go of everything that does not give Glory to God and does not add value to your life in Jesus name. Amen.May the resurrection power of Jesus that knows no bounds break open impossible situations for you, and cause favour to flow your path, through Christ our Lord. Amen