he wilderness is a place every Christian knows. It’s not a physical place
like the dry, desolate desert where we imagine the Spirit leading Jesus. Our
wilderness creeps into our everyday lives, taking up residence in our mind,
our mood, our soul. The wilderness is a spiritually dry space, devoid of
inspiration. It takes all our effort to survive and thrive in the wilderness
where we are tempted to stray from Christ’s path at every turn.
Maybe the wilderness crept into your life during our long period of
pandemic isolation. Maybe you attended worship with your community
via video or Zoom at first but grew dissatisfied with all things virtual.
It was easy to ignore your church’s worship, to power down your
community’s connection.
So much has been revealed through this pandemic. We learned more
about each other than perhaps we ever wanted or was good for us to
know. The behavior of some in my community has angered and irritated
me. Stones have been thrown in every direction. We’ve witnessed and
been tempted by greed, self-righteousness, and a flagrant disregard for
neighbor and stranger. An evil disease has wreaked havoc on our lives —
disorienting, tempting, and corrupting.
This Lent is our chance to spiritually reboot. As we make this road with
Jesus, we follow the One who was tempted as we are tempted. Jesus willingly
followed the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by power, greed and
glory. Jesus knows where we are and he knows the way out. This is the
good news. We don’t have to make this road alone. We have an experienced
spiritual guide. Jesus made it through. With his help, we can too.
God of grace, the wilderness is a frightening, disorienting place where
we risk losing ourselves and our way. As we make this road through
Lent, guide and direct us. Keep our eyes fixed on Christ, who was
tempted as we are tempted yet without sin. Thank you for staying by
our side. Amen