Mark 1:9-13
9-11 At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”
God’s Kingdom Is Here
12-13 At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.
Reflection from Spiritual Director – Rodney Dean
“Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.” – Mark 1:13
This translation from The Message came into my view while preparing for The Well, our Tuesday evening invitation to be in virtual community with one another. As is the case more often than not, sitting with the scripture yields words and phrases which shimmer…and last evening this verse did just that for those of us gathered. Listening to one another share during our Lectio Divina helped me to go deeper as we each reflected on what came forth from within during our minutes of silence.
Perhaps this scripture about Jesus being sent into the wilderness helps us appreciate our life in our own wilderness right now. COVID19 is changing daily routines around the world with overwhelming upheaval. The disruption of our social behaviors is disorienting, maybe like finding oneself deep in a place without a sense of direction. Many feel lost, seeking a lifeline. So much suffering is hard to grasp yet we see it up close and far away. Maybe we are noticing invitations to be cared for…by those willing to be present to us, who truly care for our wellbeing. Maybe there are invitations that are less so…from those who are not concerned with our wellbeing at all. Maybe a deep relationship with The Holy One helps us discern which invitations to say yes to…and which ones to decline.
Many times, more than one could ever count, I have looked up and found myself in a wilderness, disoriented by what I am experiencing. My sense a direction is disrupted and familiar surroundings are no longer visible: A fog descends and even where I am standing is uncertain. Who are my companions and who will care for me? How do I trust what is being offered? Is God with me in all of this? Well, of course!
Thank you, Dear Lord, as I practice trusting you in all things, wilderness and mountaintop…you are ever present awaiting me…accompanying me…caring for me.