Sister Lisa Maurer – Led into the Desert

A powerful image for the Lenten Journey is a journey into the desert.  In fact, the Gospel reading for the first Sunday of Lent tells us that “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert.” (Matthew 4:1)   As followers of Jesus, we too are led into the desert.Living in Duluth amid the winter’s cold and snow it is hard to get into the desert mindset.  Yet in faith, we recognize that we are beckoned into a spiritual desert.  We are led into places within ourselves that we may not want to go and are called to expose things about ourselves that may frighten us or make us ashamed.  We are challenged to confront our shadow sides and deal with weaknesses and sinful habits.It is in this spiritual desert of our Lenten Journey that we encounter Jesus.  We can trust that where we go, Jesus has already gone.   He was led into the desert, experienced temptation and loneliness and never wavered in his closeness to God the Father.  He will be with us to lead us, guide us, and inspire us as we make our own journey through the desert. Ever mindful that this season of Lent is meant to be transforming, it is with trust and confidence in Jesus that we are able to surrender and choose to be led into the desert.