The desert is a powerful image for me. Awe inspiring beauty coupled with harshness. It can be both a trackless wilderness and a location for centering and finding elemental direction.
Jesus went to the desert for solitude and discernment and found temptation. Richard Rohr maintains that lessons of temptation apply to anyone daring to take on any kind of power. "They are all temptations to the misuse of power for purposes less than God's purpose. They are sequentially the misuse of practical everyday power, the misuse of religious power, and the misuse of political power." They keep defeating humanity.
For Lectio Divina this week, consider this short passage from Rohr's Wondrous Encounters, which I also recommend for daily Lenten meditation.
“The Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, where he stayed for forty days. There he was put to the test by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, yet angels ministered to him.” Mark 1:12–13*
Using this text, as the object for Lectio Divina, a slow contemplative way of praying, follow this four step process: (For background see this introduction from St. Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo.)
First, read or listen to the verse (lectio). Ask whether there is a word of phrase that jumps out at you, grabs your attention.
Second, reflect on it (meditatio). Ruminate on the passage a bit. What is God saying to you?
Third, respond (oratio). Out loud is okay; so, too, is journaling or prayer. If you are so moved, share your thoughts in the Comment section below.
Fourth, rest (contemplatio). Sit quietly for a few minutes, just letting your thoughts and meditation sink in.
Also, for reference, here is the longer text—more familiar but possibly more difficult to meditate to—from the Presbyterian lectionary reading for the week. Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 3The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." 4Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'"
5Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." 8Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"
9Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' 11and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" 12Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 13When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
You are invited to us on Friday morning at 8 Pacific time for silent Centering Prayer. If you need the internet URL, email me at charlestaylorkerchner@gmail.com We are also associated with the Meditation Chapel, a worldwide network of that offers over 100 online meditation opportunities a week. I can help you register, if you wish.
*Rohr, Richard. Wondrous Encounters : Scripture for Lent (p. 25). Franciscan Media. Kindle Edition.
Photo: CTK, Death Valley, 2007