Wilderness Time

 

Forty Days and Forty Nights 

Yes, it’s a very long time on your own. Well, we know what that’s like now, don’t we? If we ever felt that it would be great to spend some serious time on our own, we have had it in abundance. Most of us, anyway, and we have all felt the virus’ effects in numerous ways.

Jesus had purpose in entering the wilderness and in fasting. They were ways of spiritual engagement which many religious people used in those days, but this nevertheless feels extreme. It happens immediately after he is affirmed as God’s beloved Son, authenticating his mission as the Messiah, the Suffering Servant. Dealing with the reality of such a calling needed clear focus, away from the worldly distractions of food, finance, people and relationships.

Jesus confronts the negative sides of life, the focus on our own needs and neglect of God’s Word for us, using his abilities for spectacular pseudo-divine stunts or even accepting that you seem to be able to get a long way in life by being immoral and unethical. In a weakened state, he resists the temptation and takes the Way of the Cross, the way of sacrificial love.

Were the temptations specific to Jesus? Of course, they were certainly about his own mission but we can all experience similar temptations. For selfishness can afflict us so easily, the church can find itself tempted to attract attention through emotional manipulation or false claims, and we can regrettably become too accommodating to the ways of the world around us.

The temptations are also about each of us. The ultimate temptation is to think that they aren’t. We become comfortable enough with our compromises and accommodations, and we allow the Good News which Jesus brings to us to become less than joyful and fulfilling. Above all, we may ask the odd question but allow ourselves to cruise through life without engaging with the deeper issues. What really matters? What is my life’s purpose? Who am I in God’s eyes?

Lent is a time when we can face our questions and each come into touch with our true self. God wants us to grow, not to stagnate! Like Jesus, we can rely on God through the most pressing trials,  and trusting Jesus who went this way before us we can come out stronger with our situation clearer, with a positive vision of the future and the hope of Heaven.