In the Gospel of St. Matthew we read,
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.Lent is indeed the time of the desert. Like Jesus when he began his earthly ministry we are led by the Holy Spirit into a time of fasting and prayer; like the people of ancient Israel we are led into the great desert to wander for forty long years following the lead of God.
We travel those dry places. We feel empty, tired, and sometimes defeated. Through it all we have only our faith to sustain us. We seek out out our God, who is the divine oasis, who is the eternal fount of life from which we are to drink. Indeed we become thirsty for that living water.
It's not easy being in the desert. It's not easy walking that dusty, hot path. But we know that it is good for our soul to do so. We know that our guide will not lead us astray if only we are faithful to follow.
Hunger, thirst, fear, fatigue... apathy? It is these with which we must do battle. Truly it becomes a battle with the self. Not an easy battle. But one that we must fight nonetheless.
Deus tecum.
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