39th Day of Lent: April 12, 2014: “Jesus went from there to near the wilderness”!

39^th Day of Lent:

April 12, 2014:

 “Jesus went from

         there to near

                  the wilderness”!

Jesus is about to enter into a turning point – Kairos moment- in his life here on earth. As typical Jesus, he began all that pivotal moments in silence, solitude and quiet of the wilderness with a desert moment.

The moment of arrest is fast approaching but He needed to be ‘arrested’ by the hands of his Father, feel secure, safe, and the joy of knowing that all is going to be well with the divine embrace. 

Jesus began his public ministry after having spent 40 days in the desert and now He is about to finish that public ministry, being cornered and confronted by the Jewish authorities and so he runs to the wilderness near Ephraim.

This is to ‘gather himself, recollect himself, take into account all the ‘wildness’ of the world and the people around him. He should know by now that the arrest is impending, the trial is unavoidable, the passion all too real. 

The purpose of Jesus’ coming is to establish the Kingdom of peace, justice, joy, forgiveness, and mercy. To gather the scattered children of God into one and for that one thing more is necessary- his passion, death and resurrection. 

The Israelites in exile will be brought back to their own land, nation, kingdom and king. We will be restored to the kingdom by the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. 

If we ignore everything but only think of going to the desert to have that quiet moment to absorb all in we will grow in appreciation of all that is being done by the Messiah. 

Thomas Merton in his book New seeds of contemplation says, “Let there be a place somewhere in which you can breathe naturally, quietly, and not have to take your breath in continuous short gasps. A place where your mind can be idle, and forget its concerns, descend into silence, and worship the Father in secret”.  

As we enter into the Holy Week let us find that desert moment to gratefully appreciate God’s generosity, forgiveness, mercy and unconditional love towards us and say “thank you Lord for all you have done for me’.

 Whatever challenges that may occur in our life we may be able to face them courageously and humbly for God is always near to the brokenhearted.

God Bless you always!

Sincerely Yours,
Rev. Fr. Cyriac Chandy Mattathilanickal, MS

Wishing you and yours A Holy Lent!

Rev. Fr. Tom Puthusseril, M.S.

Shrine Director

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLJ0IjLAmOA

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