Jesus was sent out into the wilderness (or desert), where he stayed for forty days, being tempted and tormented by Satan.
We know that a desert is a harsh, unforgiving place. Water and food are hard to come by in such a harsh environment. The climate is extreme - hot, dry days and, in some deserts, freezing, dark nights. What
little life there is, is fragile but also tenacious. In such conditions and circumstances, survival tops the list of priorities. Survival is key.
There are not too many people in a desert, and I expect even fewer in Jesus’ time. It is an isolated and barren place. The silence is deafening, and the daylight blinding as the sun reflects off the sand. At night, the stars are an astronomist’s dream come true. And perhaps a few night
insects and the odd animal may be seen and heard. The desert is where our thoughts can consume us as we are surrounded by desolation.
Lent can be a “desert” time for us - when we can reflect on our lives and try to declutter and simplify things for ourselves. It is a time to consider our priorities and those things we feel are essential for our survival, what it is that we need to live as faithful servants of God.
Lent invites us into the solitude of our desert nights to notice the “stars” of our life. What gifts has God given us? What sounds or scenes have we failed to hear or notice? What is it that we need to do to live well with God?
Reflections by Gillian Hugo
