If we are fortunate, we will, like Jesus, be led by the Spirit into the desert. There, amidst all that seems barren, we will bloom. For it is in desert places that the externals we’ve built up and hide behind can be removed; status, privileges, ideologies, defenses. We are inclined to cling to these externals not always aware of their control over us. They are referred to as demons; tempting us, possessing us. They confuse us as to our true essence. When we rid ourselves of these externals we are more deeply in touch with our true self. We can face our demons, honestly, and upon doing so we can emerge a courageous person.
Facing our personal demons honestly and courageously includes looking at the people and values that shape our inner and outer worlds, especially prior to our awareness of being shaped. It is sometimes difficult to do as we fear questioning our core family relationships. We perceive doing so as a threat to our identity. However, doing so can open us to living and relating from a more encompassing communion. It is equally difficult to question culture. It too can feel fearsome and a possible threat to our identity. Culture is an exceedingly strong external identifier. This is especially true when it is a mono-culture; an environment in which politics, business, even religion encourage us toward one constrained identity. Mono-culture describes the current circumstance of U.S. Empire. Most, if not all externals are in the service of a single heralded identity; nationalism. It is not however any average nationalism but rather American Exceptionalism. American Exceptionalism was heralded again this past week by notable politicians (Giuliani, Jindal, Obama). Questioners know American Exceptionalism is not borne out of Spirit led desert experiences in which we face our demons. American Exceptionalism is itself a demon. It is an external identifier tempting and possessing those who live within the U.S. culture. It tempts us to forsake our integrity of conscience and the communion we share with all people. Too few persons living in this culture have faced the demon of American Exceptionalism. That truth does not bode well for the U.S.
Facing our demons means we’re going through a transformation. It means we are first honest and courageous about ourselves or any groups to which we belong and any meaning we find in external superficialities. It then means we’re equally open and adventurous about the possibility of leading an essential life. An essential life trusts the inner world and embraces its power for the outer world.
Prayer: Dear Spirit, give us the courage to face our demons.
Question: What is the external I hide behind and need to face?
February 22, 2015 Gospel Mk 1:12-15 First Sunday of Lent