1st Sunday of Lent
Taking his first steps out of the desert, Jesus was confronted by the dark energy against which he was appointed to battle. “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Here’s the temptation. Jesus’ mission was directed to the human heart. His miracles and healings got people’s attention, but he was anointed to address deeper needs. “One does not live on bread alone.” His mission was to feed the heart and bring new and deeper life to the spirit.
A second assault followed. Jesus was shown the glory and power of the world. The vision was a bribe, appealing to humankind’s worship and lust for power. Jesus was anointed to plant the seed of the kingdom – unity and harmony, justice and peace. Jesus’ answer came: “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”
The last temptation was a prelude to the agony in the garden. The tempter twisted the words of Psalm 91, which were meant to reassure us of God’s unconditional fidelity, into a challenge to God. “Throw yourself down from here for it is written, ‘he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you.’” Jesus’ response was quick and to the point. “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
As I write this reflection, the powers of darkness are ravaging countries in Europe and the Middle East. Those same powers are dividing the country we live in. Many Christians have succumbed to temptation. Many Christians are among those peddling lies and spewing hatred, division, and racism.
Now more than ever, Christians need time in the desert to recoup and recommit themselves to Christ and his kingdom’s gospel of peace, harmony, reconciliation, and sacrificial love. Let’s be brave. This Lent, let’s join Christ as he proclaims, “I have conquered the world.”
Let Us Pray:
Lord, I consecrate myself to you – my Lord and my God. Help me to detach myself from the dark powers that rule this world with violence and fear. May I join Jesus in planting the seeds of the kingdom. Amen.
