In the Gospel for the first Sunday in Lent, Mark1:12-15, we are told that “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”
I have been fortunate to have been able to travel fairly extensively in my life, for business and pleasure. Admittedly travelling was one of my passions, although I now know that I must be more selective about travel and carefully assess my reasons and need before heading out. Over the years I have observed that there are two types of "journeymen". I would categorize these as being either tourists or travelers. The tourist travels throughout his journey in comfort, ensuring that his experiences are familiar and safe. He makes sure that he takes “his stuff” from back home with him. There are many vendors along the way who, for a price, would be willing to accommodate the tourist’s expectations and satisfy his needs, most of which are likely superficial and soon forgotten when he returns home... armed with photos, souvenirs, and pleasant memories.
On the other hand, a traveler is one whose goal is to regard the journey itself as part of a total experience in which the destination is just a part of a continuum. The traveller stops along the way to look, inquire and be open to new sights, sounds and sensations and perhaps delve into the unknown in the hope that something new will stimulate or be revealed. The difference between the traveler and the tourist is that the traveler becomes a part of and involved in the experience while the tourist rides on the outside and looks in.
A few years ago, we took a trip to the Galapagos Islands. It had long been a desired destination for me. Our primary goal was to be immersed in the experience which as an expedition required our total involvement as our circumstances would permit. There were no cell phones, internet or TV and although our accommodations were relatively sparse, they were more than satisfactory. While this hardly could be called a luxurious vacation, it was one of the most exhilarating trips I’ve ever taken as we were living in the experience, absorbed by the journey. As an expedition, we were completely focused and unencumbered by distractions. The trip was one of personal transformation in which new perspectives on life and interests were born. These still linger today, not just as memories but as building blocks for what might lie ahead.
Jesus’ time in the desert somehow relates to our journey as travelers, not just tourists. He leaves his comfort zone to prepare himself for what was to come, resisting anything that would get in the way of his quest. So, as we prepare for Lent we are reminded that the purpose of our 40 days is to walk with Jesus on his journey and live in his experience and know the presence of God in our lives.There is an unconscious seed of desire in each of us, a fundamental motivation, a basic longing for the fulfillment of that purpose.
“Augustine tells us that ‘Thou has made us for thyself and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.’ Accordingly, we are not only born with God at our center, but we are born with a heart filled with desire for God. This yearning is our fundamental motivational force; it is the human spirit. It is the energy behind everything we seek and aspire to. And if indeed we are in intimate union with God in the center, then the soul’s desire is God’s desire. The soul’s love for God is God’s love for the soul.” (Gerald May, Dark Night of the Soul)
I have been fortunate to have been able to travel fairly extensively in my life, for business and pleasure. Admittedly travelling was one of my passions, although I now know that I must be more selective about travel and carefully assess my reasons and need before heading out. Over the years I have observed that there are two types of "journeymen". I would categorize these as being either tourists or travelers. The tourist travels throughout his journey in comfort, ensuring that his experiences are familiar and safe. He makes sure that he takes “his stuff” from back home with him. There are many vendors along the way who, for a price, would be willing to accommodate the tourist’s expectations and satisfy his needs, most of which are likely superficial and soon forgotten when he returns home... armed with photos, souvenirs, and pleasant memories.
On the other hand, a traveler is one whose goal is to regard the journey itself as part of a total experience in which the destination is just a part of a continuum. The traveller stops along the way to look, inquire and be open to new sights, sounds and sensations and perhaps delve into the unknown in the hope that something new will stimulate or be revealed. The difference between the traveler and the tourist is that the traveler becomes a part of and involved in the experience while the tourist rides on the outside and looks in.
A few years ago, we took a trip to the Galapagos Islands. It had long been a desired destination for me. Our primary goal was to be immersed in the experience which as an expedition required our total involvement as our circumstances would permit. There were no cell phones, internet or TV and although our accommodations were relatively sparse, they were more than satisfactory. While this hardly could be called a luxurious vacation, it was one of the most exhilarating trips I’ve ever taken as we were living in the experience, absorbed by the journey. As an expedition, we were completely focused and unencumbered by distractions. The trip was one of personal transformation in which new perspectives on life and interests were born. These still linger today, not just as memories but as building blocks for what might lie ahead.
Jesus’ time in the desert somehow relates to our journey as travelers, not just tourists. He leaves his comfort zone to prepare himself for what was to come, resisting anything that would get in the way of his quest. So, as we prepare for Lent we are reminded that the purpose of our 40 days is to walk with Jesus on his journey and live in his experience and know the presence of God in our lives.There is an unconscious seed of desire in each of us, a fundamental motivation, a basic longing for the fulfillment of that purpose.
“Augustine tells us that ‘Thou has made us for thyself and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.’ Accordingly, we are not only born with God at our center, but we are born with a heart filled with desire for God. This yearning is our fundamental motivational force; it is the human spirit. It is the energy behind everything we seek and aspire to. And if indeed we are in intimate union with God in the center, then the soul’s desire is God’s desire. The soul’s love for God is God’s love for the soul.” (Gerald May, Dark Night of the Soul)
Thank you. Yes, we are born with a heart filled with desire for God. And dear Lord, we recognize the mystery and wonder of You, Lifesource whom we label "God". Energized by Your visible glory and power in Mother Nature, and by Your mystery and wonder in the universe of space and time and eternity, this yearning is our fundamental motivational force. Yes, it is our spirit drawn to the Trinity of Life! Our desire for completion in and with and thru You is the energy prompting our desire for You. Gosh ... guess this is a kindof prayer. Pray it with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marilyn; yes, there is an innate drive in all human beings to seek a higher purpose. We call it God ; indigenous peoples may refer to this "ultimate reality" by many names. In all cases, it's a desire to be at one with the divine. Even the absence of a practiced or demonstrative faith cannot block or deter this innate drive,
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