Jesus in the Desert

Matthew 4:1-11

In our modern world and in our city environment we have access to instant news and entertainment and lots of things to distract us. We can be in danger of losing our desert roots. And with that our inner life. We need to create times and a space to nurture our spiritual lives. Lent is a graced time for all of us in the Church. The call to prayer and being alone with the Lord in silence and solitude and fasting and almsgiving are ways for us to enter the life and experience of Jesus.

 

What is it that we truly hunger for in our lives? Is this hunger aligned to the hunger Jesus experienced in the desert and throughout his public ministry? Our desires are frequently shallow and temporary, leaving us unsatisfied. Yet, we also yearn for justice, peace, inclusiveness, connection, intimacy, and more. We understand that pursuing these deeper desires brings life and purpose to our spiritual journey.

It was the Spirit that drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained there for forty days. After facing head on the inner turmoil going on inside him and the temptation to give up, he was able to hone and clarify his mission. Our task too is to be like him and to allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit where we can confront the devils that haunt our lives. He is with us. He is on our side and he understands what we are going through because he has been there before us.

Blessings on your week

You may like to listen to 'Find the strength inside yourself,' from the album Serenity, Click on the title of the song.

Find the strength inside yourself

Find the strength inside yourself

Find the strength inside

Who knows what can be achieved when we find the strength inside

When we listen to our heart’s desire there’s a dream worth striving for

Deep down in that silent place we will find the strength and more

We all know there’s going to be obstacles to face

It’s always been that way since time knows when

The challenges we’ve faced before may challenge us again

And what we knew for certain made of sand

Find the strength inside………..

When we know the place to go cause we’ve been that place before

No matter what the future will unfold

And when we still believe in love despite the loss and pain

Despite misunderstandings on the way

Find the strength inside……..