Jesus Went Into the Desert

“Lent is like a long ‘retreat’ during which we can turn back into ourselves and listen to the voice of God, in order to defeat the temptations of the Evil One. It is a period of spiritual ‘combat’ which we must experience alongside Jesus, not with pride and presumption, but using the arms of faith: prayer, listening to the word of God and penance. In this way we will be able to celebrate Easter in truth, ready to renew the promises of our Baptism.”
- Pope Benedict XV

On days of we observe with greater silence like Ash Wednesday, the Sisters like to spend time in the hills behind our Convent – affectionately called the “Back 40”. It is undeveloped grassland and while one can still hear the freeway in the distance, it feels like wilderness. Jesus often went out alone into the wilderness. We hear about the Spirit driving Him into the desert for forty days in the readings of the First Sunday of Lent. But what did Jesus exactly do in the wilderness all this time? ​

There is an acronym that is sometimes used in 12-step programs –  HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. As fallen human beings, these emotions can make us more susceptible to falling into temptation. Yet, Jesus actively chose to feel these ways when He went out into the desert with no food, no protection from the elements, no companionship, and no comfort. He went out into the desert to face everything that we try to run away from: our weakness, our need, our fears. ​

During Lent, we are called to follow Jesus into the desert to face our desires and needs in His presence. We are challenged to see ourselves for who we really are, rather than hiding behind facades or distractions. We are not asked to walk into this dangerous desert alone. We invited to follow the Lord into the particular desert He leads us to, with all the trials that He ordains for our good. When Jesus faced the devil, He did not speak to him except with Scripture, so we too should rely on the grace of God and prayer especially through His Word to combat the temptations that are inevitable in this life. If we follow His example, we will not be led astray! 

May your 40 day journey into the wilderness be a time of great growth in grace! 

“Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10​