Quantcast
Channel: Christ – 21 Century Pilgrim
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 30

The Desert Isn’t Easy: Our Lenten journey

0
0
The Desert

The Desert

Desert, “A region so arid because of little rainfall that it supports only sparse and widely spaced vegetation or no vegetation at all: Synonyms: waste, wasteland, barren wilderness.”

Hence, the desert is not the place one plans to visit for any length of time nor does one purpose to live in the desert.  One does not go to the desert looking for water, lush vegetation, or a shaded place to rest.  The desert, in most of its incarnations, is a “barren wilderness” where only the strongest survive, and ALL are put to the test.

Desert Symbolism in Scripture:

It is interesting to me that after the baptism of our Lord (Mt. 3) he entered into the desert (Mt. 4) for 40 days to be tempted by Satan.  His desert sojourn preceded a short public ministry, rigged trial, torture, crucifixion, death, burial & ultimate resurrection. Why is this important?

Lent, a season marked by repentance and return, is our collective call to enter into our own desert to face those temptations, habitual sins, unhealthy habits, and any other stumbling block that is keeping US from entering into a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.

The reason we hesitate to enter into the desert and embrace our Lenten pilgrimage is the fact that facing SELF is probably one of the hardest things a human being does in his/her life.  When we take time to stop, look within, and uncover the truth what we find is not pretty.  We find the sinful self.

See, the truth is this – we are prone to engage in those activities that keep us far from a relationship with Christ and the Church rather than activities that draw us near.  We have become comfortable with sin and its impact on our lives.  We no longer see sin in a negative light.  Sin has become our friend, popular and positive.  We have grown used to listening to Satan and in doing so, each of us in our own way, have:

  • Turned the stones into bread – to satisfy our perceived hunger rather than to rely on God as the ultimate provider.  (Mt. 4:4)
  • Jumped from the pinnacle of the temple – to satisfy our need for fame, power & popularity. (Mt. 4:7)
  • Worshiped the false idols of materialism & consumerism to quench the perceived need to “fill ourselves” thus trying to escape the emptiness we feel.  (Mt. 4:10)

Acknowledging those things which challenge authentic faith we should embrace this Lenten journey.  The 40 days of Lent is our collective opportunity to embrace what we find during our desert experience, repent and return to that relationship Jesus so desperately wants to have with you.  Remember, you don’t have to journey alone.

Tools for the Journey:

Although Jesus sojourned in the desert alone, we don’t have to.  Each of us can embrace the fact that we have access to the community of believers (Body of Christ), ministry leaders, deacons, priests & religious.  This is not for just counseling but for spiritual direction.  We can look to those individuals who have gone before us, waged similar battles, and won (in Christ). In addition to these tools, there are many parish bible studies/small groups that meet throughout lent and organizations like Exodus90 that have specifically designed programs to assist us on this journey. Get connected today.

First, spending time with a spiritual director gives one perspective on the state of one’s self. I am or can be my own worst enemy. The priests in my life have been fonts of wisdom bringing me back to the development of proper perspective relating to my spiritual well-being.  Second, there is power in confession.  There is nothing like a clean slate and it is Christ’s work on the cross, his grace, and the peace we find through confession that brings wholeness into our lives. Finally, the finishing work of penance helps one quiet the mind so that we can reflect on that moment of healing – gaining vision for the road ahead.

So today, let me encourage you.  Embrace your Lenten sojourn no matter where you are at on your journey towards Christ.  The hard work of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving serves to remind us of our ultimate need of Him, leads us to wholeness, and brings us to the doorstep of everlasting life.


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 30

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images