Maybe You're a Deserted Place

Welcome to Word for the Week, the series in which I:

share my experience of hearing God’s Word in Mass last weekend,
explore what I believe the Lord is calling me to do about that Word, and
ask how this Word might impact your life, as well.

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This is a two-in-one Word for the Week reflection! I didn’t write last week in all of the excitement of buying our new home! I’d like to tie together the scripture that stood out to me two weeks ago (“an understanding heart”) with the one that particularly spoke to me this past Sunday, “a deserted place." 

Our son Jamal is a big part of how God speaks to me! Since Jamal received his Confirmation and First Communion a few weeks ago, his gift of understanding has been on fire! In honor of an “understanding heart,” I’d like to relate one example of Jamal’s spiritual gift. Then I’ll conclude by sharing Jamal's reflection on last Sunday’s Gospel.

When Jamal was 6 years old, Mercedes (his then-2-yr-old sister) and I happened to be singing the song “True Colors” around the house. Mercedes asked me to sing it, since the song was on an animated movie that the children had watched.

I see your true colors shining through
I see your true colors, that’s why I love you
Don’t be afraid to let them show
True colors, true colors
Are beautiful like a rainbow

Mercedes and I were singing away when Jamal interjected gently, “I don’t like that song, Mom.”

“Why don’t you like it?” I asked Jamal.

“It’s in the movie ‘Trolls.’ And in the movie, the trolls are gray when they are sad. When they are happy, they turn colors. ‘I see your true colors, that’s why I love you?’ I love you because you’re happy?!” Jamal looked at me emphatically, with raised eyebrows and both of his little hands extended at his sides. “That’s not love.” He said emphatically.

Regardless of how the movie producers meant for that song to be perceived, Jamal’s understanding heart was certainly shining. This past weekend, Jamal and I read through the Sunday readings together. The words “a deserted place” stood out to both of us.

Upon reflection, Jamal remarked how Jesus went to a deserted place. And how “deserted” probably meant that no one else wanted to go there. Yet, because Jesus was there, others were drawn to this place. With a serious expression, Jamal posited, “Maybe you’re the deserted place.”

What a revelation! I could reflect on this idea for hours: what if I am the deserted place? What if I am the place that others wouldn’t want to approach. And still Jesus wants to make His home within me! Jesus retreats and finds rest within me. Then somehow, others are drawn to me because of Jesus’ presence. Amazing. 

I’ll invite you to join me in allowing the Lord to inhabit our thoughts, words, and feelings today. To invite Him even into those memories, tendencies, and attractions that we do not want to accept within ourselves. As we read in Matthew Chapter 14, when Jesus withdraws to a desolate place, He transforms it with His presence. 

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

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