February 22 - Temptations on the Journey

First Sunday of Lent

Today's Readings

• Genesis 9.8-15
• Psalm 25 
• 1 Peter 3.18-22
• Mark 1.12-15

Today's Reflection

Jesus on this first Sunday of Lent we come to you to be renewed in spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit sent you into the desert to be prepared for your earthly journey, so we hope to be spiritually renewed on our Lenten journey. As you were ministered to by angels, so we will be ministered to by you. Satan tested you, tempting you to change stones to bread to show your power. Instead you accepted hunger and fasting to show your willingness to be poor with your less fortunate brothers.

May we accept hunger and fasting quietly in our journey in the desert so that we may have more to share with the poor among us.

Becoming more spiritual is a gradual exercise in love and patience just as physical exercise is gradual. Don't be discouraged. Satan is an evil, jealous spirit constantly on watch to weaken us just as he tried to weaken Jesus. Satan will tempt us. He knows our weaknesses. But so does Jesus who plays to our strength and resolve. We are not alone. Persevere, pray, seek the company of those who travel the spiritual road with you. Reach out to family members who have strayed from the Church and long to be invited back. You may be the only Christ some people will ever know.

 Anna H.