There's a scene in the movie Avatar where an entire community comes together, encircling a Tree of Life, to save a friend. With closed eyes, they chant in unison and move in rhythm. They don't touch the person, but instead are connected through an inner, electromagnetic current they access through their “tails.” This connection is through spirit and not flesh, connecting with and listening for wisdom and healing powers.

In today’s passage Jesus gets a little testy with Peter, much like a coach might get upset with a player during afternoon practice, asking, “Come on, wake up and pay attention! Do you not realize that your heart and effort will take you further than your feet?”

Sometimes keeping awake and paying attention, even when our bodies wish to sleep, will benefit us in our relationship with God and with others.

By Rich Richards from D365