Our walk through Lent is a forty day journey.  Our lives have been filled with journeys:  ups and downs, moving ahead and setbacks, short treks, or long hauls.  Perhaps you’ve journeyed through sickness, through the death of loved ones, through parenthood, through financial setbacks, through marriage.  Maybe it was a journey of a different sort:  a cruise or a road trip.  No matter the journey we have had to take each one step at a time, no matter how long. Our journey through Lent is no different.

Our Lord Jesus understands journeys.  He spent his life walking dusty roads in sandals.  His way was long.  Moments of rest and peace were few.  As we read the gospels, we see references to his constant journey:  he walked beside, went throughout, went up, came down, entered, crossed, arrived in, withdrew to.  The three years of his ministry were ones of a continual journey.

When Jesus was about 30 years old, he traveled from his home town of Nazareth in Galilee to be baptized by John the Baptist, likely near Bethany-across-the Jordan.  That was a journey of at least 60 miles.  From there he walked into the Judean Desert or wilderness to face the devil’s temptation, perhaps only five or six miles away.  Then, on his journey back to Galilee, he called the first of his disciples and headed to Cana where his first miracle was performed – another journey of more than 60 miles.  Can you envision that?  Can you picture the dust?  Can you feel the tired feet?  Can you imagine the scarcity of food or places to rest?

Be steadfast on whatever journey you walk, one step at a time.  Be assured that Jesus understands such journeys.  He will gladly walk with you each step of the way. 

Judy