The Wilderness Experience

The Season of Lent corresponds to the time of preparation that Jesus spent in the wilderness before beginning His earthly ministry. Scripture tells us Jesus was led there by the Holy Spirit for forty days of fasting and prayer. Historically, Lent provided a time in which new converts were prepared for Holy Baptism.

Why should we observe this time of preparation and what does it mean to each of us and the Church today? Clearly this observance is not required for salvation. The saving act of Jesus on the cross and our response to His loving sacrifice is required, followed by our endurance in the Faith with His help. Nevertheless, we cannot deny that life does present us with wilderness experiences. What is false is a church that suggests that Christians should not have them. We do have them. Job stood head and shoulders above his peers…