Thinking About These Forty Days

Jesus began his ministry after a forty-day retreat into the wilderness. God sent him there. And when he came out from that retreat he was filled with the power of God's Spirit and began his earthly ministry. Mark tells us,


"Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: 'Time's up! God's kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message."

There is a lesson here for us and for the Church and for all of us who call ourselves "Christian."  The method God prepared Jesus for ministry was through a baptism, a retreat in the wilderness, fasting and struggling with temptation, and receiving the power of God's Holy Spirit as he came out of that wilderness retreat.

When Jesus formed his disciples he told them a couple of important things: they were to GO and TELL and make DISCIPLES. He also told his disciples (not "admirers" but disciples); disciples do what their teacher does, admirers, however, simply like their teacher.

Jesus also told us that there were essentially two things (two commandments) -- to totally LOVE God and totally love the person next to us (the neighbor).

Matthew tells us that Jesus told a story to his disciples which told them what they were to specifically DO in their ministry.

"I was hungry and you gave me no meal (feed the hungry).
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink (give clean water to the thirsty),
I was homeless and you gave me no bed (provide shelter to those discplaced),
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes (provide adequate clothing),
Sick and in prison, and you never visited" (visit and minister to those in jail and in prison and pray for those who are sick).

Now each one of these have not only a physical side, but also a spiritual side as well:

Those who are eat three solid meals a day can still "hunger and thirst for righteousness."

Those who have shelter can be without acceptance in this society because they are social outcasts, or illegal immigrants.

Those who are well-clothed can be without the warmth and comfort of friends and loving relationships.

Those who are healthy and without restrictions in their movements can be emotionally sick and imprisoned in depresssion.

When we change ourselves, conform ourselves to the life and actions of the Teacher, then we can call ourselves Jesus disciples because we will be doing what he asked us to do.

When we say "enough" to churches which have become comfortable, self-absorbed "country clubs" rather than authentic, out-reaching, Christ-practicing communities, then we can say we are the Body of Christ.

But not until then.

So, this Lent, this year, right now, how are we going to be Jesus to the world?

Who will you reach out to this day?