Jesus -
From Nazareth of Galilee. Baptized by John in the Jordan.
The heavens split open for you, and the Spirit’s wind descended upon you. In the torrent of tearing and touching, heaven’s voice identified you.
You are my Son, the Beloved.
Driven into the wilderness for 40 days, you encountered the adversary, existed with wild beasts, and angels waited on you. You left the wilderness preaching God’s good news of God’s kingdom drawing near.
May our 40-day Lenten journey mirror yours. As we encounter adversaries and exist with wild beasts, may we see the angels waiting on us. May we discover God’s good news and proclaim that news when we cross our wilderness threshold.
Your kingdom is indeed near. May we shift, and may we trustfully surrender.
Amen.