The Wilderness Is a Dangerous Place
(Debie Thomas)

“The wilderness is a dangerous place. You only go there if you have to. As we begin our journey into lent may we enter with courage into the deserts we can’t choose or avoid. May our long stints in the wilderness teach us who we really are – the precious and beautiful children of God. And when the angels and all their sweet and secret guises whisper the name “beloved” into our ears may we listen and believe them.”

What “wilderness” have you experienced that has taught you who you really are? Where did you find God in that place?

Mark 1:9-15

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

This episode was written and recorded by Debie Thomas. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear, Not All Who Wander Are Lost by Greater Still, Fading Light by josh Lim, and The Soft Glow of Christmas Lights by Will Bangs.

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Debie Thomas is the director of children’s and family ministries at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, California. She also writes weekly lectionary reflections on her website, Journey With Jesus. Click here to find out more.

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