Desert places

Matthew 4 : 1 - 11

There are so many ways to hear this passage. Today, I focused on how Jesus, the one who went through tough desert places himself knows our pain; our struggles. I don't think the temptations he endured in the desert were the only ones he faced throughout his life. I think it more likely that everywhere and in every situation he faced the hard choice between doing what he wanted and doing what his Father willed for him. In the gospels we are told that he faced much misunderstanding, hostility, and false judgments. It wasn't just stunning performances of miracles and the crowds' favor that constantly marked his life.

There are desert places in every life. This festive period is perhaps not the time when people talk about or think about these things. But these places are not 'bad' places to be, as long as we do not wallow in self-pity or give in to every temptation. It is a relief to know that our Lord understands from 'within' the pain we may have to endure in our temptations. Through Lent, as we seek to renew our commitment to the Lord, he assures us that he is always with us. He is there for us.

A friend who is in Australia asked me how the 'celebration' has been. Chinese new year is not a public holiday there. The most meaningful thing this year has been the family get togethers, with my brother and families of my aunt, uncle and cousins. Some of them I see only once a year. Other than that I have not felt up to any social visits so far. But then, the festive period lasts fifteen days, so there is still time!