“If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I
perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so
that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I
am in the Father.” John 10:37–39
These words spoken by Jesus took place during the feast of the
Dedication in Jerusalem. Jesus had been preaching clearly about His
relationship with the Father in Heaven, and this was causing some
to become outraged to the point of them trying to arrest Him right
then and there. But He escaped and went back into the wilderness
where He had been baptized by John. As Jesus remained there in the
desert, many people came to Him to be with Him and to listen to His
words. As they listened, they began to believe.
It’s interesting to note the contrast of reactions. In Jerusalem
within the Temple area, among large crowds gathered for the feast
of the Dedication, Jesus was increasingly rejected and persecuted.
But when He returned to the desert and people had to come to see
Him, they listened and believed. This contrast presents us with one
way in which we will more easily grow in our faith and help others
grow in their faith. Specifically, we are invited to go into the
“desert” to encounter our Lord, away from the busyness of life, and
we must also invite others to join us in such a journey.
It’s true that, while in Jerusalem, there were people who happened
to stumble upon Jesus as He was teaching and were moved by His word
and came to believe. But it’s also clear that, when people had to
commit to the effort of seeking Him out in a deserted place, His
words were even more transformative.
In our own lives, within the ordinary activities of life, such as
regular attendance at Mass, we will be given the opportunity to
hear the Gospel and deepen our life of faith. But all of us need to
take time to seek Jesus out “in the wilderness,” so to speak, so as
to be even more disposed to hear Him and believe. These “desert
experiences” come in many forms. Perhaps it’s an experience as
simple as going into your room alone to pray and ponder the Word of
God. Or perhaps it’s a participation in a Bible study, an online
devotional program, or parish catechesis event. Or perhaps it’s the
choice to go away for a weekend or longer for a guided retreat
where all you do for some time is pray and listen to our
Lord.
Throughout history, saint after saint has shown us the value of
going off to pray to be with our Lord, in a place where the many
other distractions of life and the many voices of the world are
silenced, so that God can speak to the heart and so that we can
more fully respond.
Reflect, today, upon the invitation Jesus is giving you to go out
to meet Him in the wilderness. Where is that place? How can you
accomplish this short journey while keeping up with the important
duties of life? Do not hesitate to seek out the desert to which our
Lord is calling you, so that you will be able to meet Him there,
listen to His voice, and respond with complete generosity.
My Lord Jesus, You are calling me to enter deeper into a
relationship of love with You, my divine Lord. Give me the grace I
need to say “Yes” to You and to enter into the desert of silence
and prayer I need so as to hear Your voice. Draw me to You, my
Lord, and help me to more fully believe all that You wish to say.
Jesus, I trust in You.
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Featured image above: Jesus Went Out into a Desert Place By
James Tissot, via Wikimedia Commons
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