Going into the desert can be scary, but it is also life-giving. Sometimes we need to go through the frightening process of discovering and confronting our own demons in order to be reminded of our own true identity and the truth about our own mission in the world. In that way we can then really experience the fullness of life. Even though we can't have a full-fledged desert experience during the forty days of Lent, hopefully it will be a season when we can more purposely carve out time and space so that our spiritual journey can be enhanced and enlightened. Communication has higher value for us than contemplation.
Information is in greater demand than reflection.
There was a time when only doctors wore pagers and the only person who carried a telephone around with him was the President of the United States, in case of nuclear attack. Now we are all that important. We can be found anywhere, at any time, by anyone who needs us. It isn't easy to separate ourselves from all of that, but part of our Lenten journey may require it. And it takes time to reach out to others in charity and service.