Deacon Tom Writes,
A
Memorable Lenten Experience
First Sunday of Lent,
Year A
We begin this Lenten season with St. Matthew’s account of Jesus’
temptation in the desert. I am sure that we are very familiar with this passage,
so much so that it may fail to hold our attention while it is being read. Yet,
for those who can envision this descriptive passage they just may come away
with this thought that will serve them well for these next forty days: the
desert isn’t a wasteland; it is a refuge. For us Christians, Lent isn’t a time
of desolation; it is a time of discernment.
Jesus, the consummate teacher, leads by example inviting us to follow
him into the desert. In the solitude of that wilderness he is tempted by the
devil with some clever “earthly” ways options for establishing the Kingdom of
God on earth. Fortunately, as we are told, Jesus does not go into the desert by
himself and he is aware of who is waiting for him there. He has an ally, a
protector. “Jesus was led by the Spirit
into the desert…to be tempted by the devil.” Jesus does indeed encounter
the devil. He is tempted. He feels the full brunt of satin’s power. But, he
will not yield! Even though he is shown all the power, the privilege, and the
prestige that this world has to offer, it will not sway him. He will remain
faithful to the Spirit within him, the Spirit who revealed him as God’s “beloved Son”.
This Lent we have another opportunity to grow in holiness, another
chance to discern God’s Will for us. This is precious time, a time to read
scripture so that we can become an intimate friend of Jesus. Remember the
question that Jesus asked Peter when they were at Caesarea Philippi, “Who do you say that I am?” How do we
answer that question? Who is Jesus
for us? Do we know him personally, as a friend in whom we confide….trust….
share our lives? Do we look to Jesus to help us discern the choices that lay
before us….help us in our relationships…..with life’s challenges...or to overcome
our many personal weaknesses? Lent
is a special time when we can experience the love God has for us by coming to
know the person of Jesus Christ, God’s “beloved
Son”. Spending some quality time with Jesus in the desert, away from the TV
and the noise and chatter of this world is a sure way to make this a memorable
Lenten experience.
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
No comments:
Post a Comment