Joining Christ in the Desert

Joining Christ in the Desert
By Venerable Louis of Granada (circa 1588)

Before the savior began his preaching of the Gospel, he prepared himself by fasting and solitude in the desert so that you would understand how seriously a work is the salvation of souls. That Lord, who is infinitely perfect, had no need of such ascetical practices, but he prepared himself for his apostolate in this way so that those who will fulfill this office will understand how to prepare themselves for the work of salvation of souls. For no one should go forth to the mission of preaching if first he has not exercised himself in secret contemplation…

The primary master of all true preachers, after that of the sciences necessary for such labor, is solitude, where God will speak to the heart the words which will later come forth from the lips and reveal the secrets of wisdom to the humble.

Let us, therefore, love that solitude which the Lord sanctified by his example, for he who is not engaged in conversation with men is almost necessitated to converse with God. O wretchedness of the present world! Men have abandoned the deserts and have given themselves over to a life filled with worldly care and anxiety. And since the roads to the desert are now overgrown with weeds, at least make yourself a spiritual desert by recollecting your senses and entering within yourself, because in that way you will find God. Moses saw the glory of God in the desert; in your spiritual desert God gives himself to be tasted and enjoyed by his friends.

Entering into this desert, you should, like Moses, climb to the summit of the mountain; that is, leave behind the things of earth and raise your heart to the things of heaven. For this you will need two wings: the wing of prayer and that of fasting, which is necessary for prayer itself, because the stomach filled with food is not disposed to ascend to the heights…

But Jesus did not only fast; he prayed and struggled with our adversary. The solitude was for our example, the prayers for our debts and need, and the struggle with the enemy to conquer our adversary.

Therefore, accompany the Lord in all these exercises and labors, for here he is doing your work and paying for your pleasures. Imitate the example of Christ as much as you can. Pray with him; fast with him; struggle with him; join your labors to his so that all of them will be acceptable in God’s sight.

Submitted by Chapter member Bonnie Fitzpatrick O.P.L.