I hear the gospel read this morning,

sitting in the comfort of my home,

surrounded by so many things,

a cup of coffee at my side,

cats curled up, purring,

I heard how you entered the wilderness,

compelled, driven, led by the Spirit,

the comforter who never left you

as you fasted, prayed,

and emptied yourself once more,

it struck me forcibly that you emptied yourself,

grasped for nothing

being one with creation,

God breathing in the God breathed air,

wild wilderness filling your lungs as you emptied yourself,

total givenness (again)…

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I heard the gospel read this morning,

and I wonder how I can become one with you,

will you receive this cluttered soul,

will you help me to empty myself,

if only just enough to let new life begin…?