Emphasis Preaching Journal

In some retreat houses is a space designated as a "desert room," which is supposed to remind the retreat participants of the Middle East climate where Jesus and his disciples lived. The floor of the room is covered with sand, and within its walls, strict silence is to be observed.

In the desert one finds little water, shade, or comfortable living conditions. It is barren and hot. The presence of Jesus, however, changed the nature of the desert - the deserted place was suddenly crowded with the people seeking and finding spiritual refreshment, food, and healing.