RBWords

 

     The account of Jesus' temptation In the desert follows his identification as God's "Beloved Son" at his baptism by John.  He is now tested at the beginning of his public ministry.  The temptations are all aimed at a misuse of power for the sake of satisfying personal cravings at the expense of service to others.  To each of Satan's efforts, Jesus replies with a direct quote from the Torah - Deuteronomy - which places him squarely in the tradition of the Children of Israel.  His fast of forty days and the testing of his integrity parallel the 40 years' journey of the Israelites.  They failed more than once.  He would not.  Satan's mocking line, "If you are the Son of God...." will be heard when Jesus is on the cross, and again, he would not fail! [Mt. 27:40].

 

     The Lenten season offers us an opportunity to share in Jesus' journey.  It is forty days in length and we are challenged to come to terms with the major temptations and struggles that "bedevil" us!  Jesus is challenged to be unfaithful to his mission, and so are we.  We have been identified with him through baptism, and we have a mission to proclaim the Good News.  This is a far more profound matter than simply "giving up" something in a symbolic observance of Lent.  This kind of journey goes to the center of our Christian identity. 

 

     This weekend I begin the first of four parish missions.  The first mission service focuses on baptism and its meaning.  It is not a past event but a present reality that is tested over and over again.  Can we renew our commitment to be faithful to Christ by loving God and neighbor?  Can we put this into practical acts of love and charity to those in need?  Can we resist the consumer secular temptations that mark the path in the desert?  Lent challenges us not so much to see how long we can go without chocolate or alcohol.  Lent challenges us to learn how we can live our baptismal commitment 365 days a year!  AMEN