Lent I

by James Walker

Mark (1:9–15)

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan River by John. Immediately upon coming out of the water, Jesus saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. Then a voice came from the heavens, “You are my Beloved, my Own. On you my favor rests.” And the Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels looked after him. After John’s arrest, Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming the Good News of God. “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Change your hearts and minds, and believe this Good News!”

Reflection

What rich – if sparse – imagery Mark gives us. The director in me runs a bit wild, thinking of camera angles, lighting, scenery, costumes, special effects, and the all-important casting calls.

This is no subtle tale. Jesus emerges from the deep currents of Jordan River after being baptized by John, the often annoying and not-so-subtle evangelist who incessantly calls us to turn our lives around. The heavens break open with incandescent light, and an enormous – albeit gentle – dove descends upon Jesus, accompanied by the all-embracing voice of God, anointing the Beloved. The Spirit propels Jesus from the water to the desert (no bon voyage party here), where he spends forty days (i.e. a long period of time) with wild beasts, tempted by Satan, ever protected by angels. After this ordeal, Jesus returns to Galilee, preaching the uncomfortable good news that now is the time for change.

It leaves me breathless. Great theater, if only in my mind’s eye, but what does Mark want us to really hear?

As we begin our 40-day Lenten journey once again, I’m drawn to contemplating the wild beasts and temptations of Satan in my own life. While not convinced of the literal presence of a devil figure, I’m absolutely certain of my capacity for evil and of the presence of bleak forces in the world.

Lent is a good time to take inventory and to confess … so here goes: These past few months I’ve been struggling with a certainty of belief that I’ve come to identify as evil self-righteousness. I now confess it, asking for the forgiveness of which I rest assured.

Is it possible to hold my strong beliefs and convictions — fervently and joyfully — while still allowing room for those with different experiences and individual truths? I know the clear answer to be a resounding “Yes!” yet this has been a huge challenge for me recently. It has been extraordinarily difficult for me to truly see shades of gray in my certitude. I feel the internal pull of arrogant thought and belief that implies that others are somehow less evolved on their journey.

Life is mystery, and we see dimly the unfathomable truth that lies before us. My journey this Lent will be contending with those forces in me that seek certitude in the ambiguity of this miraculous life, and I’m deeply grateful for this community of saints and angels, where I pray it is safe hold each of our truths in a magnificent tapestry and to confess our fears and shortcomings.

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During the Week

Write your own screenplay of this lesson in your mind. What scene of the movie is speaking to you this Lent?

What internal forces do you feel ready to confront within yourself in these forty days of Lent? Write about them; pray about them.

Who are the angels in your life, surrounding you with loving encouragement on this journey? Express your gratitude to them.