Lent

Lent is a challenge for all of us. It is traditionally a time when we give things up, or do a bit more. But during Lent it is often easy to miss the point. Lent is not about devising cunning plans to beat the system, or showing how good we are because we can do without sweets. Lent is about drawing closer to God!

On Ash Wednesday you might have heard the words, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” This is exactly what the next few weeks are all about - being more faithful to the Gospel we believe in! Whatever we do, whether we give up something, or do something extra, the whole point of it must be that it brings us closer to God.

At the end of his forty days in the wilderness, Jesus had the strength to trust completely in God. That is our goal also. Jesus was able to resist temptation because he was never separated from God. We, too, can resist temptation if we focus on God.

Over the next few weeks we must allow our Lenten observance to turn our hearts and minds to God in a special way. At the end of our forty days may we truly be able to say: “Yes, I have worshiped the Lord my God, and served him, alone!” The temptations in the desert called Jesus to cling to the old and forget the new. Instead, Jesus chose conversion.

Let this first Sunday of Lent draw us to conversion. Let us toss aside old patterns that speak of power, prestige, and manipulation. Let us put on the new person that is Jesus - a person of service to others, of prayer, and of mercy. Think about it!!