 to go with Jesus into the desert I have enjoyed the desert every time I have visited or have hiked in such an area. Indeed, there is a lot of beauty in a desert, but it is also a place that is rather inhospitable for human life. To survive for a long period of time a person would need a reliable and plentiful source of water and food as well as some shelter from the elements. Though we know all this, it is important to keep this image in mind as we reflect upon the invitation to go with Jesus into the desert during this season of Lent. His 40 days and nights in the desert prior to ministry were an essential preparation for Him, and it is good to observe what He did by accompanying Him. We know Jesus went into the desert to pray, but it was far more intense than we can imagine because of the level of spiritual warfare in which He engaged. We can learn a tremendous amount from His experience that will aid us in the battles we face, too.  "... with you I am well pleased." The Gospels state that immediately before Jesus left for the desert He was baptized by John in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up from the water a voice was heard by those gathered there. Pay attention to exactly what the Father said: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11, italics mine) This was a personal message for Jesus, a word from Father to Son, telling Jesus that what had transpired for the previous 30 years was pleasing to Him, but now the time had come for Jesus to undergo the final and most intense preparation for what lay ahead. The Gospel says, “At once the Spirit drove Him out into the desert.” (Mark 1:12) There seems to be a sense of urgency in this, and while the Holy Spirit could have sent Jesus anywhere, the desert location must have had great purpose and meaning.  trusting in God who sent us there That Jesus was driven there “at once” indicates He did not go home and get His ‘desert gear,’ but rather He brought nothing with Him into that wilderness. In these first weeks of Lent we have entered the desert as Jesus did, and we, too, need to ‘leave behind’ that from which we are fasting, trusting in God who sent us there; we have begun and now we need to stay the course. In the desert, with abstinence and prayer one learns to recognize attachments to people, places, and things, everything that we have put before God. We may also have to face the most difficult temptations that involve memories and sins from the past which the devil uses to taunt and demoralize us. And though it is early Lent, some might have already been tempted to give up and ‘return home’ because either we think we have failed or to avoid the discomfort of the work needed for our growth in freedom and love of God.  taking the narrow path The devil is pretty slick, and we can expect he will try similar tactics as those he employed on Jesus, aiming for our human weaknesses with trickery and lies. In the Gospels three main areas of attack were described.* First was the temptation to let the devil take care of Jesus’ hunger, (desires). To combat our hungers we must put our spiritual life before material desires, making sacrifices in which we put others before ourselves through acts of mercy and service. Next was the temptation concerning His safety, which may have actually served to prepare Jesus for the terrible temptations He would face during His Passion. This teaches us to never give into fear of expressing our faith and commitment as Christians: we are to live our faith boldly, without fear or apology. Lastly was the temptation to gain ‘easy’ power by following satan instead of God. This is most important for us since it teaches that we must always discern wisely whom we are choosing to follow, taking the narrow path and not the wide one.  ... to become stronger We need this Lenten trip to the desert, perhaps now more than ever since attack upon those who are committed followers of Jesus is becoming more intense. Our Lenten practices will help us to recognize the tactics of the devil more clearly so we can rebuke them, ask forgiveness, become stronger in the ability to utilize the graces we have received, and grow in our love and commitment to God. The enemy is trying to 'divide and conquer,' to cause our morals to deteriorate, enticing us into becoming more accepting of that which is against the gospel, and to live in fear of repercussion, to keep us from taking a stand in defense of our faith. In short, the tempter is trying to get us to see what is evil as good and what is good as evil. He is dividing our families, our communities, and our churches by attacking their foundations, using us to do so.  Jesus was thirsting for people to come ever closer to Him The desert can be difficult, but it is necessary for us to accompany the Lord. On the cross Jesus said, “I thirst.” He was not asking for His bodily needs to be met but rather, Jesus was thirsting for His people to come ever closer to Him. He thirsted for those who will stay the course, following Him the entire way to the Cross and then to the glory which awaits. To do so, we must be vigilant, use what God has given, and never give up hope. The good news is that the desert is also a place of life: God’s grace will see us through if we trust Him.
May we call upon the Holy Spirit for the graces needed to overcome temptation and all that seeks our ruin! May we have no fear of the desert or of spiritual warfare! And may we have the fortitude to stay the course of our journey this Lent! Let us meet in prayer, assisting one another! Peace! ©Michele L. Catanese * These suggestions about the three main areas of temptation experienced by Jesus are not exhaustive and they are only meant for spiritual reflection. There are better, more precise explanations in the exegesis of many spiritual writers and theologians. Images: 1. My photo; Big Bend National Park, west Texas. 2. Fresco painting; The Baptism of Jesus, by Giotto, from the Scrovegni Chapel, Ravenna, Italy. 3. Icon; Nuestro Salvador de las Sandias, by Fr. William Hart McNichols. I chose this for two reasons: first, it depicts Jesus in the desert with the Sandia Mts. in the background, and second, because it is a sign of hope and victory. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this in one of many mediums go to fineartamerica.com/featured/nuestro-salvador-de-las-sandias-012-william-hart-mcnichols.html 4. Painting; The Long Walk Home by Ed Sandoval. (This is actually my photo of a print I have of this painting.) 5. Painting; And the Angels Ministered Unto Him by James Tissot. Again, thre is always hope: the Lord will make sure we are cared for if we remain faithful, sending angels to our aid. 6. My photo; a creek which runs through Big Bend National Park, TX. Note: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time. Comments are closed.
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