2023 Lenten Meditations
The wilderness & the dry land
shall be glad!
Daily Lenten meditations
by the Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson,
XI Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
Introduction
It all begins in the wilderness…
In the wilderness things happen.
In the wilderness is transformation.
In the wilderness is the gate to new life.
God seems to have a special place for the wilderness experience. The overarching character throughout the biblical text that is often forgotten or missed is the wilderness.
From the calling of God’s people out of the land of Egypt, to Jesus beginning his ministry after his baptism, the wilderness has played a prominent role in the life and journey of the people of God. These experiences help to reform, refine, and refresh God’s people for the path ahead as they journey into the unknown.
We are no different. We need the wilderness.
We need those times in the wilderness, away from the norm, where we are stripped bare of the baggage and burdens we carry in order to be formed and reformed over and over again by God. We need those times in the wilderness to step out into the unknown, to seek after God’s footprints in the sand, to listen for God’s voice in the wind, to be steeped in the fullness of God’s Spirit moving in, around, and through us.
In the busyness of our world, with the demands of time and energy, the wilderness calls to us.
It all begins in the wilderness.
+Deon
A new meditation will be added to this page each day, beginning with Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2023) and ending with Palm Sunday (April 2, 2023).
You can also download the entire booklet to follow at your convenience.
Download the meditation booklet
2023 Lenten Meditations
March 3: Friday in the First Week of Lent
Forgiveness is hard. Forgiveness means that we have to let go of the hurts and harms done to us or done by us. It means that we have to admit that we were wrong and seek to make amends for our behavior.
March 2: Thursday in the First Week of Lent
Our faith in Jesus Christ reminds us that we are never alone and that we don’t journey along the pilgrim way of Christianity on our own. We need each other and we need to ask for help along the way.
March 1: Wednesday in the First Week of Lent
We are surrounded by many injustices in our world. We see division and distrust like a roaring lion. But we serve a God who is always calling us towards righteousness and justice.
Feb. 28: Tuesday in the First Week of Lent
Feb. 27: Monday in the First Week of Lent
It is hard sometimes to see the face of Christ in the other. It is difficult to love others when it seems as though they oppose your very being. Following Jesus isn’t easy.
Feb. 25: Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer, and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the time of my trouble I will call upon you, for you will answer me.
Feb. 24: Friday after Ash Wednesday
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly.
Feb. 23: Thursday after Ash Wednesday
What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?