Withdraw With the Lord
"Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples." (John 11:56)
"Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples." (John 11:56)
I learned long ago that nothing good can come from a decision made out of fear.
When the Pharisees saw that Jesus was gaining popularity, they feared that the Romans would come and destroy them. They began plotting His death. John tells us that our Lord withdrew to Ephraim, a region near the desert.
He wasn’t escaping or running away. Like other times in his life, Jesus needed time with his Father. We do not find the strength to face any opposition to our faith in books, CDs, or retreats.
True strength to endure spiritual battles comes from prayer, time spent with Jesus alone in the sanctuary of our hearts. Consider the number of times Jesus entered into prayer: when he began his public ministry, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights to pray.
He prayed the whole night before calling his disciples to follow him. In today’s gospel, he goes to Ephraim to pray. Before His arrest, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives to pray and be with His Father.
When do you and I need to withdraw and go to Ephraim to be with our Father and Jesus?
Take us with you, Lord Jesus, into the sanctuary of Your heart to bear all things in love for You. Amen.
Father Rick Pilger, I.C. was born in Canton, Illinois, the third of four children. He attended St. John’s Seminary in Wonersh, England, and was ordained in 1979. Fr. Rick is a member of the religious order, Institute of Charity, founded by Blessed Antonio Rosmini. He has served parishes in Galesburg, IL., Bradenton, FL., and now in Seminole, FL. as a Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Father Rick’s greatest passion is sharing God’s good Word and celebrating the Sacraments with His people.
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