Once they have described the aridness, the seemingly lifeless and lonely environment, those who have been in a
desert will often also tell of the utter silence they experienced, hearing only the wind and murmur of shifting sand. Yet, most probably for all these reasons, the Spirit chose to lead Jesus into the desert to be tested. When we are alone, away from our comforts, and silent, we can most effectively face ourselves, our God and our accuser.
We live in an increasingly busy and noisy world in which it is so easy to lose ourselves, our awareness of God and become oblivious to the wiles of our enemy, the devil. Like a kind of sedative, business and noise often numb our conscience and sap our energies to live attentively and well.
Noise also blocks our proper hearing and attentiveness to the ‘voices’, both good and evil, that constantly beckon us. Our business distracts our minds and bodies and prevents us from stopping to ponder, recognise and realise where we are headed. No wonder we so often fail to hear the ‘still, small voice of calm’, as the hymn-writer puts it, the constant knocking at the door by our Saviour, and try to comfort ourselves in the mad rush of the godless world around us.
We are again given the opportunity this Lenten season to become still and quiet. To listen to the whispering demands of evil influencing and destroying our
very lives and livelihood. To heed the beckoning of the Good Jesus within us. To recall our God's life-giving instructions and fan into flame our obedience and service to our Creator. After all, surely this is our true desire?
Let us work hard – for it is hard work, and more challenging for some than others – to practice and cultivate stillness and quiet attitudes that sharpen our listening skills.
Ask for the grace to distinguish the voice of peace and life from that of destruction and death and to make well-considered, informed choices.
Trust that the Spirit will help you call to mind scriptures and teachings for our defence against evil.
