This Sunday - the First Sunday of Lent - the Gospel recalls Jesus spending 40 days in the desert - fasting for the 40 days - at the end - being hungry. Fasting - being hungry - hand in hand experience - everyone who fasts - denies themselves food - drink - no way to avoid - hunger. Today 2000 years after His walk in the desert - Jesus still hungers - this time - not for food - rather - disciples - people who will not only accept him as their Lord - Savior - instead an active follower who is not afraid to share their faith with others. He seeks - not only ordained - consecrated followers - rather all those who have made a verbal - sacramental commitment to share in His ministry to all around them.
As we walk through our own desert - wherever we may be - need to understand that Jesus - God Almighty - the Holy Spirit - always with each of us. Unlike Jesus who felt abandoned - alone in the desert - we are never alone. As we continue our observance of Lent - through our prayers - meditations - charitable acts - we need to shed those things in our lives that slow us down - the sand - pebbles in our sandals - that impede our progress. With His presence in our lives - this journey - very possible.
Deacon Dale
