Often we see Jesus go off to an “out of the way place” and pray. At the start of His mission, He spent 40 days in the desert. He gives us an example. The desert is a place with very little, and so few distractions. There we can listen more attentively to the Voice of God Who is continually calling out to us.

In the first century of Christianity some believers went out to live in the desert as hermits. They were called anchorites. Soon some of them joined in communities for their safety and to share prayer and spiritual experiences. This was the beginning of religious communities or orders. They were called cenobites.

We do not have to go off to a desert to have a “desert experience” or to listen better to the Lord. We can set aside time, be by ourselves for a little while, close out the noise of the world and be at peace. Before it was the noise of the radio and TV. Now we have cell phones and iPads and who knows what else. It is hard to hear God’s voice with all that commotion going on.

Lent is a time of spiritual struggle and growth. It is the opportune time to intensify our efforts. One of our penances, one form of “giving up” or “letting go” would be to retreat from the daily din and spend time with the Lord.

Take some time. Calm and quiet your mind and soul. Listen to what the Lord is saying. God says, “I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. In my will is your peace. Be still and know that I am God”.