The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness and he remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’ Mark 1:12-15

Our Lenten journey is underway with the receiving of ashes on Ash Wednesday. A new season is upon us. The differences can be seen and heard in our liturgy. Purple becomes the colour of the season. Readings are focused on repentance. Decorations are minimal and even non-existent. The mood and atmosphere are more solemn. The reading for Ash Wednesday tells us to practice almsgiving, prayer and fasting in private not to show any sign of what being practiced. These actions mark our Lent practice of giving and self-denial.

The first Sunday of Lent is a very short reading from Mark who gives little detail or description of what happened in the wilderness apart from the number of days and Jesus’ company of wild beasts, the devil, and angels. We can only begin to imagine what it means to be in the wilderness and with the kind of company. To obtain any further detail of the wilderness experience we would have to look to the gospels of Matthew and Luke. They give their own interpretation and what might be the challenges to one’s spiritual life.

The wilderness is a place of encounter with ourselves, our challenges and even with the divine. Why do we need to focus on these encounters in this particular season more so than any other time? All the seasons are centred on the life of Christ and they are ordered in such a way. Lent is the start and entry to the Paschal Mystery, Jesus’ Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension. As the events unfold so does the understanding of our role as Christians in imitating Christ in our everyday life.

By Fr Hoang Dinh

Published: 16 February 2024