Episode Details

Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Sister Josephine Garrett and Kris McGregor discuss Wilderness Within, a Lenten journal designed to guide individuals in deepening their spiritual journey. Sister Josephine explains that the book is not for the faint of heart but for those willing to reflect on their implicit beliefs about God, faith, and themselves. The book explores the theme of the “wilderness within,” likening it to the Desert Fathers’ realization that the greatest spiritual battle is fought in the human heart and the importance of rendering one’s heart open to Christ, engaging in interior reflection, and embracing the challenges of Lent not as failures but as necessary struggles on the path to spiritual growth.

The need for authentic hope amid personal and societal struggles is important during the Jubilee of Hope. Fasting, penance, and detachment each share a role in gaining clarity and deepening union with God rather than simply self-denial. She encourages listeners to avoid rushing through Lent, instead embracing the rhythm of the liturgical season as a model for ongoing spiritual discipline.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:

1. How does the concept of the “wilderness within” resonate with your own spiritual struggles and growth?
2. In what ways do you see God’s love sustaining you, even in times of doubt or hardship?
3. What are the “stories” you tell yourself about your relationship with God, and how do they shape your faith?
4. How can you practice rendering your heart more fully open to God during Lent?
5. What attachments or distractions in your life may be keeping you from fully trusting in God’s plan?
6. How do you respond to suffering and the cross in your own life—do you resist it or see it as a path to deeper union with Christ?
7. How can fasting, prayer, and almsgiving help you detach from worldly concerns and focus more on God?
8. In what ways does the Jubilee of Hope challenge you to rediscover hope in your personal faith journey?
9. How does reflecting on Christ’s suffering during Holy Week draw you closer to His heart?
10. What steps can you take after Lent to ensure that your spiritual grow