[Greek] ἐρημόω (erēmoō), [Latin] desolare, [Latin] vastare, [Latin] perdere: to desolate, to lay waste, to put in a wilderness (desolation), to destroy, to bring to ruin, to make desolate; Mt.12:25, Lk.11:17, Rev.17:16, Rev. 18:17,19
Many of us are still wandering in this political and economic wilderness of uncertainty.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to desolate, to lay waste, to strip bare, to abandon, to desert, to leave alone, and to suffer. Aeschylus’ Suppliant Woman 516 states “Your father will not leave you alone for along.” Andocides’ On the Peace 3.21 states “What did our present allies propose to do with us? They proposed to sell our citizens as slaves and make Attica a waste.” Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 260 states “For it is fitting to give homage to the consort of a sovereign prince when her husband’s throne is empty.” Euripides’ Andromache 805 states “Hermione, deserted by her father and at the same time aware of what a dreadful deed she has committed in plotting to kill Andromache and her son, means to die, afraid her husband may send her away in disgrace.” Euripides’ Andromache 314 states “And if you do not leave and vacate this precinct, the boy here will be slaughtered in place of you.”
Old Testament: The wilderness can be a place of demons, dangers (to the body and soul), refuge (to the persecuted and criminals), and obedience. This place can be a place for communion with God, grace, and wonders (miracles). Judaism holds that the age of salvation along with the Messiah’s appearance will appear in the wilderness. The community of Christ will later remain hidden in the wilderness until Christ comes. John the Baptist arises out of the wilderness and prepares the way of the Lord.
Behold, the Lord lays the earth waste, devastates it (Isa.24:1). And a river becomes parched and dried up (Psa.106.9). And shudder, be very desolate, declares the Lord (Jer.2:12). He who sacrifices to any god, others than to the Lord alone, shall be utterly destroyed (Exo.22:20). Their land will be stripped of its fullness on account of the violence of all who live in it (Eze.12:19). He lived in the wilderness of Paran (Gen.21:21). I will also break down your pride of power (Lev.26:19). They took Absalom and cast him into a deep pit in the forest (2Sam.18:17).
New Testament: This term, used in a passive in a sense, means to be laid waste, to be desolate, and to be ruined. The Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by the authority of Beelzebul. Jesus responds by pointing out that Satan would be driving out Satan (dividing against itself leading to waste). The new Babylon (Rome) is the harlot being left desolate and naked by the ten horns (kings) and the beast (Nero). The great wealth of this city (Babylon) will be ruined.
Scripture:
“But He knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and no town or house divided itself will stand.’” Mt.12:25
The Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by the authority of Beelzebul. Jesus points out that then Satan will driving out Satan. These kingdoms divided itself will be laid waste.
“The ten horns that you saw and the beast will hate the harlot; they will leave her desolate and naked; they will eat her flesh and consume her with fire.” Rev.17:16
Babylon (Rome) is the harlot. The ten kings and Nero will leave this harlot desolate and naked.
Perdition: In Christian theology, this notion is a state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a sinful and unpenitent person passes after death.
Hermit: This is a person who lives in seclusion from society, usually for religious reasons. Some notable Christian hermits include:
John the Baptist
Paul of Thebes (4th century): Regard as the first hermit
St. Jerome (4th century): Doctor of the Church
St. Benedict of Nursia (6th century): founder of the Benedictine order
St. Juan Diego: visionary of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Conclusion:
Hermit, hermetic, waste, desolate, desolation, perdition
Aside from the literal meanings of this term, it was interesting to discover this term’s more nuanced meanings. Such examples include abandoning, leaving alone, lacking, and setting free.
It was also instructive in understanding that the wilderness can have both positive and negative aspects. The wilderness can be a place of communion with God or a place of obedience. The wilderness plays a central role in the journey with God.
Jesus points out the Pharisees’ foolish and ignorant arguments about His authority. The description of Rome as the new Babylon refers to this city’s paganism, corruption, power, and excess.
It is also important to note that a wilderness does not necessarily need to refer to a physical place. Anyone can (may) enter into a spiritual wilderness. St. Mother Teresa and St. Faustina both experienced a spiritual wilderness. The Church, faced with this sexual abuse crisis, has already entered into its spiritual and moral wilderness.
My own personal wilderness is: “I am praying constantly. But, why aren’t you answering my prayers! Why am I still in this same situation!”
Update: election aftermath: We all continue to wander through this wilderness of political confrontation, resistance, judicial obfuscation (unclear and “weak-kneed” rulings), and uncertainty. Many people have been making foolish arguments stating that there is no evidence of voter (election) fraud, yet at the same time, push back against forensically examining the votes (and election software). One wonders: “Why are they afraid of transparency?” Hopefully, soon we will be reaching the “promised land” in revealing (uncovering) the fraud and perpetrators and restoring confidence in the integrity of this election for the American people.
As a fellow traveler (and bike rider), make sure you pack up your prayers, pleas, and intentions while you listen, camp, and ride out with the Lord. Camel’s hair not required!