| Perhaps one of the directions-of-growth in Jesus-Caritas hardest to appreciate is the concept of the desert. The term comes from the spirituality of Brother Charles and is a classic theme within the history of Christian spirituality. Perhaps, for the American priest the day could be called the ''day of solitude" or the ''day of simplicity''. Specifically, the fraternity member is expected to spend one full day (of at least six hours) each month, completely apart by himself, alone with the Lord, ideally without materials to read or other spiritual props. It is a great help if one can get away the night before and spend the next day in solitude.
It takes time for members to realize the purpose and to feel the need for this day. Many members in the U.S. have not yet really tried the Desert Day. Those who are faithful to it. even in its difficulty will discover its immense benefit for their Christian and priestly lives. Most experience their own radical poverty and total dependence on the Lord and His love. The prayer of the day is simply setting aside the time for the Lord and giving Him a chance to yet through to us. In devoting our time solely to Him, we cease all those human activites which can often cover or veil our radical need for God. We come to experience our creaturehood. our fragility. and our deepest desire to live in Him and for Him The "desert'' is frequently a place of temptation Some brothers are beset by melan choly. interior desolation. or aridity in the day: others by discourage ment. Here one also acutely feels the need for the Holy Spirit in order to persevere in his weakness and to remain faithful.
The desert is an intensive stripping down to essentials, coupled wlth a strong sense of the Lord's presence and adoration of Him. It is an experience of emptying oneself and experiencing that God alone is the Absolute of one's life. Perhaps the greatest temptation, humanly speaking. is to look for certain results from the Day itself. rather than to be disposed to whatever the Lord might give or not give on that day! For the day. many go into the countryside, to the ocean, or for long walks. Others may simply go to an empty room and spend the day there.
During this day, the review of life should be prepared prayerfully, reflecting upon and interpreting in faith the present understanding of our spiritual life. The desert is not primarily a physical place. but the place where God meets us. Usually the more simple and undistracting the sur roundings, the more favorable the conditions in which to wait on the Lord and listen to Him. We find it so important that each person approach the day wlth a generous and open spirit. When one begins to attempt the Desert Day, he might discern with his brothers how he should enter the day. He might initially need some materials or the Word. He might need to vary the length or frequency of the Day. What does each one need to experience his own finiteness and God's abundant love for Him'? Faithfulness and prayerful discretion will lead him to God on this Day.
Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests -- An Overview of Spirituality and Method, (Fifth Edition, April 1987), sometimes called the 'American Experience'
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