Desert Journey – Day 38

The desert’s edge no longer brings the temptation it did at the beginning of this journey. I have grown fond of the sand scape, the conversations, the serenity. But all things eventually come to an end, at least all earthly things. Transition leading to farewell is difficult.

I want to sit at the desert’s edge with Jesus and prolong the inevitable. Today we enter the Holy Triduum, the three days prior to Easter. Lord, I don’t want you to do what you have to do. But this is why you came, death will usher in everlasting life. But the transition…

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38. I want to console Jesus and again my consolations feel so trivial. I am consoling him, and yet my very sin lead him to this point.

Absorbing the moment with Jesus is all I can do. Sensing his presence and soaking his essence, is my soul’s desire. My mind recalls the many themes discussed over the weeks, the lessons learned and the convictions realized. He smiles in acknowledgement of our time spent together. I am so grateful. Jesus will leave soon and break bread with his disciples.

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”  Matthew 26:26-28

And so it begins…