GET YOU UP TO A HIGH MOUNTAIN
Llanmadoc Hill, Summer Solstice Sunrise: Communion in the wild
A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God… (Isaiah 40.3)
The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly… (Luke 1.80)
“WILDERNESS or wildland is a natural environment on Earth that has not been significantly modified by human activity. It may also be defined as: “The most intact, undisturbed wild natural areas left on our planet—those last truly wild places that humans do not control and have not developed with roads, pipelines or other industrial infrastructure.” So begins the famous internet encyclopedia Wikipedia’s definition of wilderness.
Like Isaiah and all biblical prophets, John the Baptist was called to “appear publicly” and speak the Word of God; like all biblical prophets, before he speaks he is compelled to dwell in the wild, away from the crowds, away from mainstream programming of any kind. Of course, Jesus too was tested in the desert before he began to speak and teach, and the Gospels are clear that retreating to the wild continued to be a constant feature of his ongoing lifestyle and ministry. Luke tells us here that Jesus’ teacher? cousin? anam cara soul friend? John the Baptist lived his entire pre-ministry in the wilderness; even when he finally “appeared publicly” it was on the border of wilderness in the Jordan river.
Perhaps this week you would like to bring the wilderness into your prayer time, maybe do some walking meditation in Gower or in the garden (street, park in town, just as good!)
Where are the wild spaces in your life? Where can you be still and let God do the talking? What in your heart, mind, soul is real and what is merely worldly program? Who are you, really?
Tonnau Duw ('God's waves') Fr Tim Ardouin 