Together we shall try to find the exact answer to each one of the problems. ~Abba Pachomius to housemaster Thomas

During Lent, we read of Jesus alone in the wilderness for forty days, hungry, tired and repeatedly tempted by the devil. Of all the trials in this passage, the one I find the most disturbing is the trial of aloneness. Some folks find inspiration in strong, stoic, loner Jesus, perhaps forgetting that he didn’t exactly thrive on his own. In Matthew and Mark’s accounts, angels come and tend to a worn~out man who very well may be on the edge of dehydration and starvation, not to mention mental anguish.

I don’t think it is an accident that immediately following this lone~ranger trip into the wilderness, Jesus begins to gather his team of disciples, his community of friends and co~ministers. And, except for a few moments of prayer, we never again see Jesus on his own; instead, he lives, ministers, dies and reveals his resurrection within the context of community and within the context of relationships.

We believe that our life~giving, loving, liberating God gives all, gathers all and draws us all toward a shared wholeness with one another. If we are to join God as co~creators in this work, then we must follow the learnings of Jesus, traveling even our most challenging roads with each other instead of trying to power through alone. We must lead with vulnerability and humility, ministering and being ministered to in all circumstances, removing aloneness, bearing each other’s burdens and sitting together in the ashes.

For Reflection

How do you feel about being vulnerable with others when you are walking a tough road? Do you ask for help?

How are you for listening and creating a safe space for others to be vulnerable with you? Do you make space for other people’s needs?

How can you learn from Jesus’s choices regarding community?

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For more resources please visit The Episcopal Church in Colorado Lent Formation Resources (These resources include Lenten meditations and activities for different age groups and interests.)