A simple but effective test that is often used in psychological group-dynamics is called as the “Trust Fall” Exercise.

(N.B.: We can try doing this exercise with our friends…

… of course, with care and caution!)

The test comprises of two partners – one standing in front of the other.

The task consists in the one who is standing in front…

… gently falling back, with both the feet, held firm on the ground

… while the partner at the back, supports the person – preventing from falling.

Initially, the partner “who is falling”, finds it extremely difficult to fall back…

… for fear of falling down.

(There is fear writ all over the face…

… there is a sense of panic, that is experienced deep within!)

But as they repeat this exercise…

… the trust level increases

… the confidence factor grows

>> And the person feels, at ease, to fall back, without any fear!

(There is a sense of positive feeling…

… trust and reliance is built up gradually!)

>> This “Trust Fall” is an group -dynamics exercise to grow in the aspect of trusting one another and believing in each other’s capacity.

Such a “Trust Fall” happens with our God as well, isn’t it?

When we go through struggles and problems of life…

… we often fall back!

>> If we don’t trust Him enough, we are afraid that we will fall down!

>> But, if we trust in His power, we are sure that the He will never let us fall down!

The Lord, through the Gospel of the Day, invites us, with strong vibes of positive feelings, “…Stand Erect and raise your heads, because your redemption is at hand” (Lk 21: 28)

The Gospel of the day is a continuation of the talks on the coming of the Son of Man.

Jesus reminds his disciples of the many signs and terrors that will be manifest in the world and persecutions that will befall on His followers.

>> He invites His disciples to remain firm in perseverance and faithful commitment.

The Gospel of the Day brings out a clear contradiction in the stance and approach of the “people of the world” and “people who trust in Him”…

>> Lk 21: 26, “…people will die of fright…” (“people of the world”)

>> Lk 21: 28,”…stand erect and raise your heads…” (“people who trust in Him”)

Dying of fright and collapsing is a sign of absolute despair and hopelessness.

>> When someone is in great tension, his/her physical structure reflects it…

… one tends to stoop low

… one tends to put down one’s head…

The worry in the mind makes the face a sorry affair!

>> The tension in one’s life robs the spirit of joy in living!

Faces turn pale…smiles go wry… body starts sagging!

But the Lord of the Universe today strongly exhorts us to not remain stooped-down

>> He challenges us to “stand erect and raise our heads…”

The Lord makes people to stand on their feet as a sign of feeling protected and strong…

>> The boy possessed by a demon was “held by the hand, raised up and made to stand” by Jesus (Mk 9:27)

>> Jesus held the hand of the daughter of Jairus and “helped her to stand” (Mk 5:41)

>> Peter and John took up the crippled beggar at the Temple gate “by the hand and raised him up…and he leaped up, stood and walk around…walking and jumping” and praising God (Acts 3: 7-8)

The Lord loves to help people to stand erect and hold heads high in firm faith and trust in Him.

Is my life today shattered and collapsed?

>> Am I unable to stand firmly in faith and in trust?

When difficulties and problems arise in life…

>> Do I stoop down and get fixated on the worries…

… or do I “stand erect and raise up my head” in confidence of the Providence of God?

When calamities and unsolvable crises hits my family or community life…

>> Do we stoop down and get lost in despair….

… or do We “stand erect and raise up our heads” in hope of the Power the Lord?

When hopes get shattered and the future appears very blurred…

>> Do I stoop down and get stuck in hopelessness and desolation…

… or do I “stand erect and raise up my head” in deep faith in the Guiding Hand of the Lord?

Some of us live our lives with much negativity and pessimism…

>> Life most of the time appears to be dark and depressing and dismal!

But the Lord today asks us to live our lives with more positivity and optimism

>> Life is in fact much more bright and beautiful and brilliant!

The “Trust Fall” is an exercise, that we go through continually in our life of Faith!

>> When we go through struggles and problems of life…

>> If we don’t trust God enough, we lose heart…

… and we are afraid that we will fall down!

>> But, if we trust in His power, we can stand firm…

… and we are sure that the Lord will never let us fall down!

Are we ready to play the “Trust Fall” Exercise with the Lord?

>> Be assured… He will hold you firm!

God Bless! Live Jesus!