The Healing Journey

March 5, 2025

As recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days, and that number is a significant one throughout Scripture. Forty signifies transformation, a time of testing and trial, a period of preparation, repentance, new growth and fulfillment … and the introduction of a great task or a new path in life. In many ways, that resembles the Healing Journey.

Forty appears 157 times in the Bible and is fundamental to many well-known stories. The Book of Genesis recounts the Great Flood during the time of Noah when God flooded the Earth through 40 days and 40 nights of rain. The first kings of Israel — Saul, David and Solomon — each ruled for 40 years. In the Hebrew Bible, 40 years designates a long period of time and the passing of a generation.

Moses lived 40 years in Egypt and 40 years in the desert before God called him to lead his people from slavery in Egypt. Twice he went up to Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights to receive God’s law. As a punishment for their sin, the Children of Israel were forced to wander in the desert for 40 years, and only the new generation was allowed to enter the Promised Land.

For 40 days and nights, the prophet Elijah walked to the holy mountain of Horeb. And the prophet Jonah warned Nineveh that it had 40 days to repent or be destroyed.

Forty days after his birth, Jesus was presented in the Temple. He spent 40 days in the desert, and his Ascension occurred 40 days after his Resurrection from the dead.

The Healing Journey, like Lent, is not an easy path, but this Lent, follow an invitation to self-denial, prayer and almsgiving for 40 days, always looking forward to what lies ahead and the hope of healing and spiritual growth.
©J Pisani

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