I shared with you last year that every January I choose a word and a saint to focus on for the year ahead. You may recall that last year the word was Gift. This practice of honing in on the word “Gift” helped me tremendously to acknowledge that even my crosses are gifts. Sometimes I was “gifted” with the reason for the cross and other times, the reason has not yet been revealed. And may not be in this lifetime.
Great Lengths
Without further ado, the word of this year is Soak. In America we have a saying, “going down a rabbit hole,” which implies one went to great lengths about something. I, indeed, went down a rabbit hole analyzing what this word could, or should mean for me. Am I to “soak in His Presence?” “Soak in the Word?” Yes. Yes, to all of the things that will deepen my faith and relationship with the Lord.
I tell you all of this because I think there is a connection with today’s gospel. The very first line says, “Jesus withdrew…” He withdrew. The word “withdraw” means to “remove or take away (something) from a particular place or position. To leave or cause to leave a place or situation.”
When Jesus withdrew, he went off by himself or with His disciples, away from the crowds. Often for rest, often to pray. Immediately, the words Adoration and Retreat came to mind. If Jesus needed to withdraw, we certainly need to, even more so.
Withdraw
I challenge or encourage you, depending on your personality, to withdraw to an Adoration Chapel near you and soak in His Presence. If it is possible in your season of life, perhaps you can find a day or weekend retreat to attend to soak in His Word. Maybe put a few on the calendar throughout the year. It does not have to be fancy, just intentional time to withdraw.
The Old Testament reading today talks about jealousy, while the Psalm is about trust and having no fear. Truly, it is much more feasible to conquer these feelings when we are soaked in Him, His Love, His Word. Amen.
