We are at the beginning of Lent, with the first full week ahead of us. Mark presents us with a brief but stark picture of Jesus as he began his forty-day stint in the desert before initiating his public ministry. He is "sent" into the desert where he faces hunger, wild beasts, three major temptations that we know of, and in the end is ministered to by the angels. (Mk 1: 12-15). Jesus withstood the onslaught which both tested and clarified his mission and sets the pattern for us.
Is our Lenten observance "observable'? Are we doing something positive, are we structuring in something to distinguish this time from the rest of the year? Are we facing the "beasts" within us that resist change? Are we slacking off already on what we set as our Lenten goal(s)? Temptations abound during this special, holy time, and the Evil One works overtime to convince us, for example, that Lent is not necessary for us; we do enough already...that dealing with the snow is Lent enough, etc." It's amazing how many excuses can slip into the mix to water down this season until it is no different from the weeks since those "New Year's Resolutions." But Lent is more serious than half-hearted resolutions, it is a given time to cleanse, renew and prepare for our Easter Renewal of our Baptismal Promises, and thus live more according to the mind of Jesus. Like Jesus, we are SENT into this period, which should have desert elements to it, in order to be purified and strengthened in our faith and practice. We will face the beasts who try to detract us, but like Jesus, we must hold steadfast. In good time, the angels will come to minister to us as well.
Bro. Rene
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