Sunday, February 21st
Scripture
Gn 9: 8-15
Ps 25: 4-9
1 Pt 3: 18-22
Mk 1: 12-15
Reflection
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert. . . [Jesus said], “This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.”
Mark 1: 12, 15
On this first Sunday of Lent, from the beginning of Mark’s gospel, we read that “The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert. . .” What did Jesus do during those forty days? What did he learn? How did he prepare for the work of bringing the good news of God’s love to the world?
I picture him alone with no distractions, no familiar people or places, no daily routine, no work to fill his hours. I imagine him lost in prayer, brooding on the meaning of life—his life—and the life of the world.
When he left the desert and came to Galilee, he came proclaiming: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.” Later on, as he came to better understand what the Kingdom was, Jesus was even more specific, “The kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21)
So as Lent begins, we follow the Teacher to a deserted place, ponder the good news that the Kingdom of God is very near, and pray to see it — be it.
Prayer
Teacher,
I am your disciple. Teach me your ways.
Let people see you in me, touch you in me,
recognize you in my words and actions.
Personal Challenge
Remember that the Kingdom of God is within you!
Sister Jeanne Cmolik, CSJ
Cleveland, OH
