Importance of the Deserted place for Prayer

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : Friday after Epiphany*

*GOSPEL - Lk 5:12-16*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 5:5-13*

*Importance of the Deserted place for Prayer*

*He would withdraw to deserted places to pray*

*1) Deserted Place*

It is a place, where there are no people and  largely the area appears to be empty

The absence of the people and the things, in a way creates an atmosphere of silence and peace 

In such an atmosphere, there is a possibility of deep concentration, since there are no people and things to disturb.

Many of the people, who wish to have a deep God experience, they withdraw themselves to a lonely place or to a deserted place for prayer 

This shows the importance of the deserted place for the prayer

*2) Jesus in Deserted place for Prayer*

We have many instances where Jesus is found in the deserted place for prayer 

Before beginning of His ministry, He spends 40 days and 40 nights in a desert praying and fasting. This was the preparation for His public ministry 

In the public ministry, Jesus goes many times to a deserted place for prayer. For example 

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35.

He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. Mt 14:23

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. Luke 6:12

*3) Jesus' call to come to a deserted place* 

And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. Mark 6:31

Jesus called His disciples to a deserted place to take rest and also to spend some time in prayer 

*4) When He was Busy, He went to pray*

The Gospel of the day, tells about the withdrawal of Jesus into a deserted place for prayer 

But before this, we see Jesus was very busy in doing lots of ministry, especially healing the sick people 

Those people who heard about these miracles, simply came in big numbers and they surrounded Jesus to listen to Him and to get well from thier diseases.

In such a busy schedule, Jesus simply withdrew Himself to a deserted place for prayer 

This shows that how much Jesus valued the prayer in deserted place 

*5) The Challenge to withdraw to a deserted place*

It was not easy for Jesus to withdraw Himself from the situation, when so many people were around Him, seeking His help and also praising Him for the great miracles 

The natural tendency to carry on the work, since it could bring, name, fame, publicity, and popularity. 

Jesus challenges  such a Human tendency, and chooses what was divine. That's something great.

*6) Where is my deserted place*

Deserted place is very much necessary for deep God experience and prayer 

Sitting before the Blessed Sacrament, Prayer Room, place where there is no much noise and disturbances, could be some of the deserted places for my prayer. 

*7) The beauty of the deserted place*

-No disturbance

-Conducive for prayer and deep concentration

-Deep Silence

-Creates a psychological feeling for prayer and God experience

*8) How do I value the deserted place of prayer?*

How often do I visit this place? 

Am I comfortable in the deserted place for prayer?

How long am I able to stay in this place? 

What motivates me to go to this place? 

What are the challenges and difficulties to go to this place? 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*