During this season of Lent our thoughts can often turn to Jesus’ experience of being in the desert. It is not the sort of place to go for a holiday! In the daytime deserts can be unbearably hot, sucking any moisture from the atmosphere, while at night the temperature can drop to be very chilly. Moving sand, ravines formed by ancient rivers, now dried up, stony place and little shade are all part of such landscapes. No wonder they are sometimes called wilderness. And yet, Jesus spent time in such a place, testing his earthly mission and preparing himself for his ministry.
Many in the past have sought to follow his example seeking God and testing their own faith. During Lent we may not physically go into a desert, but it is a time to reflect on the ministry of Jesus and our own responses to his call to follow him.
I have very recently read a book entitled American Dirt by Jeanine Cumins. It is a novel describing the journey of a Mexican woman and her son from Acapulco to the United States following the slaughter of sixteen of her extended family, including her mother and husband by a Cartel leader. It is well written, and although it deals with some dangerous issues is not difficult to read. It particularly interested me as I was privileged to visit northern Mexico in 2018 to observe the work of people in the churches who help migrants forced from their homes. As I read the book I was reminded of many of the people whom I met on my journey. Some had travelled atop the goods train known as La Bestia [the Beast] which features in the book, and experienced trauma from cartel members. Yet, most could look me in the eye, smile and express hope for a better future. Very many held a strong faith [usually catholic as they came from countries where that is the main religion]. Despite their often traumatic experiences, which inevitably cause many changes in their lives, they held fast to their belief in God.
Our Lent experiences and reflections may not be filled with such strong challenges, or lead to such significant life changes, but I pray that each of us will spend time seeking to strengthen our faith and be ready for the joy of Easter.
A Blessing
May you know the presence of those who have passed through the desert before you. May they point the way toward freedom and sustain you with their stories. In the wilderness may there be wellsprings. May there be wings.
Jan L. Richardson
The annual Easter Offering service will be available online from today [Friday 27th February] This year it is only being shared online as there have been problems getting it to print, so I hope you will download, read and share as widely as you can in your groups and churches. Every penny raised from offerings goes directly to the Methodist World Mission Fund.
I hope to see some of you at MWiB’s annual conference at Swanwick in Derbyshire. Do, come and say hello. If you can’t make it to the conference in person consider joining some of it online – maybe with a friend or two. See www.mwib.org.uk for details.
With every good wish, Hilary Evans Blog 3