St. Mark tells us that the Spirit drove Jesus into the desert. But what desert? It could have been the Negev Desert south of Jerusalem or the desert east of the Dead Sea [in modern day Jordan]. In either desert food and water would have been scarce and there was the constant danger of wild animals, poisonous snakes and creepy crawly critters. In the desert Jesus had the joy of solitude to be alone with God. We live in a culture that does not value silence and solitude to listen for God to speak his will for us. Are we reluctant to be alone with God because we fear what he might ask of us. Lent is a good time to ask God for the gift of solitude and to make time for periods of silence so we can be with our God. We will learn that solitude is a beautiful gift so we can listen to the Giver. When Jesus learned that John the Baptist had been arrested, he understood it was time for him to proclaim the Kingdom of God. If we make time for solitude God may tell us to proclaim the Kingdom of God. “Be still and know I am your God.”
