Beloved: Christ suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. – 1 Peter 3:18
When I think of a desert, I imagine a desolate place with no clear paths marked out for traveling. Just a wide expanse of sand or rocks without water or many plants or wildlife. It’s a place one could easily get lost. The desert of Lent can feel the same way–a large expanse of time where we’re called to practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in order to grow closer to God. It’s ironic–we’re called to go into the desert to grow in faith, hope, and love to be fruitful. If we go into the desert alone, we may end up fruitless and lost.
What’s wonderful is that as long as we stay close to God by praying, receiving the sacraments, and reading Scripture, we are never alone. In fact, when we enter Lent we find that Jesus is already in the desert waiting for us: “The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan” (Mark 1:12). Jesus is the Way to the Father (John 4:16). He is there to guide us through this Lent. We can beg of Him to help us find His way and path: “Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.” (Psalm 25:4-5). Just as God “directed [the Israelites’] journeying in the wilderness” (Deuteronomy 8:2), He can direct each of us. He provided them with water from the rock (Exodus 17:6), and manna and quail to eat (Exodus 16:13-14). In the same way, when I seek to stay close to Jesus, He will provide me with everything I need to help me through this Lent with strength and love. Jesus is precisely with you and me in the the desert so “that he might lead you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). It consoles me to know that Jesus is with me in the desert because I know that I can turn to Him when I’m tired, weak, or feeling tempted.
We also have the saints and each other to journey with during Lent. Who is in your “saint tribe?” Those are the saints who you to turn at various times for prayer. Who are the people here and now that can walk with you in your Lenten journey? Consider your friends and family who can help you to stay true to your Lenten sacrifices and encourage you to bear good fruit for the Lord.
Jesus, guide me this week on the Way. Direct my heart and help me to follow wherever You lead me. Show me the way to the Father.