Walk this Way

Recently, a friend and I hiked a trail along the Pacific Coast Highway. Said friend — younger, fitter, and spryer — led the way to a beautiful crest overlooking the ocean. Completing the hike felt like a tremendous accomplishment for me, but it was not without a few breathless pauses and a gulp of fresh water. My mental roadblocks and physical weaknesses almost kept me from that beautiful view.
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On this first Sunday of Lent, Mark’s gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. “The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert.” Newly baptized, Jesus took 40 days in a harsh and barren environment to grapple with, not only Satan, but the enormity of the mission before him. He spent time with his Father to pray and ask for help. What temptations and struggles do we need to take to God? What obstacles are keeping us from a close relationship with Jesus?


Despite Satan’s attempts to lead him away from God, Jesus remained steadfast. Without sinning, Jesus was tested in the same ways we are: basic and vainglorious desires. How do we turn away from sin — those troublesome behaviors, attitudes, and mistakes we inevitably repeat or succumb to? Jesus was “among wild beasts,” vulnerable and probably weak from hunger, but the angels ministered to him. He was never alone, but empowered by the Spirit and comforted with the presence of his God-family.


Jesus emerged from the desert ready for his public ministry, and he proclaimed with certainty: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.” Now is the time, he said. Now is still the time. Jesus was establishing his new Church then and we are that Church today. During Lent, we are tasked to enter our own wilderness and prepare for an encounter with the person of Christ. We are brought into relationship with him, into the kingdom of God. We get to be a part of his family! What can we do to prepare for this encounter?


We can scour our hearts asking the Lord to empty them of all that is weak, and leave space for Jesus to enter. We can sacrifice some of our favorite things, and admit to our wrongdoings. We can access our gifts to be strong for ourselves and those in our community. Sometimes, we have to go through what is difficult to take on something else. Our Christian hearts are made for greater ways and better things. Our shortcomings and challenges are no match for God’s loving presence abiding within us. “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Jesus’ mission statement propels us to ask for mercy and move outward from ourselves for others.

Whatever path we walk in life, we never have to go it alone. With the friendship and encouragement of Jesus, experienced in community, we overcome the roadblocks and look forward to a new horizon and a steady direction. Imagine the view of Heaven ...


Peace and joy,


Mary Huebner
​Liturgy Assistant 

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