The Desert of Our Days (Cláudio Carvalhaes)

“We are growing into times of despair and climate barbarism. Unless we are able to stay in the wilderness we will not be able to survive what is coming."

What are you doing to survive the desert of our days?

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Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. I have fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,
'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”

Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'”

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'”

Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

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This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms and Glitter by Podington Bear, Desert Hiatus by Young Bay, and I'll Miss You by Will Bangs.

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Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes is a theologian, liturgist and artist, a native Brazilian. He is Associate Professor of Worship at Union Theological Seminary.

This season of Be Still and Go is supported in part by Convergence as they help share each episode with their community. (You should do the same!) Convergence a network that supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from “organized religion” to “organizing religion” driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more just world for all. Visit www.convergenceus.org to find out more.