Gospel: Mark 1: 12-15
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert,
and he remained in the desert for forty days,
tempted by Satan.
He was among wild beasts,
and the angels ministered to him.
After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
"This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel."
Prayer: "Draw me after you, let us make haste." -Song of Song 1:4
Mother Mary Catherine is already almost two weeks into her 30 day silent retreat. As "mission as usual" has gone on up here at the Formation Center, I have found myself often thinking of Mother as I go about the day's responsibilities-it's consoling to think of her remaining silent at our Lord's feet. Praying with this Sunday's Gospel I was struck that the same applies to our Lord during Lent: "He remained in the desert for forty days." Throughout the rest of the liturgical year we nearly always hear of Jesus being with others--teaching, healing, calling, forming. But here at the beginning of Lent we find Jesus alone. Imagine Jesus there: God incarnate, fasting and tempted in a barren wasteland, silent and alone, freely remaining there for love of you. Watch him, listen to His silent intercession to the Father for you. Draw from His strength the grace to remain with Him in temptation. As Lent continues, perhaps return to this rich passage, and remain with Christ in this place of solitude.
Prayer: "I believe Lord, help my unbelief." -Mk 9: 24