In the midst of a very challenging year, in the midst of the pandemic that has drastically changed our daily lives and the midst of harsh winter weather that kept us away from our Ash Wednesday Masses, we start off the first Sunday of Lent with Jesus being thrown into the desert, where he is tempted and tested. With the pandemic having started in the first weeks of Lent last year, we probably feel like this has been a year-long journey in the desert with Jesus.
Jesus dealt with temptation in the desert in a very real way. Temptation is something all of us have to deal with in our lives of faith. In fact, doesn’t it seem like we are tempted in a special way during Lent? We can give up something specific during Lent or promise to make certain sacrifices during these 40 days, and then it will seem like we are particularly tempted to break those promises.
What I find interesting is that the Holy Spirit drove Jesus into the desert as recounted in Mark’s Gospel. It is the Spirit that puts Jesus there where he is tempted by Satan. Yet, we know that Jesus is not alone in the desert wilderness. Unfortunately, the wild beasts are also there, threatening to destroy him. However, the angels are also there with him, ministering to him. We all have wild beasts or demons in our lives that threaten to destroy us. We also have angels who help us and minister to us on our journey as well. From today’s Gospel of Jesus being tempted in the desert, we can take away this message: Lent is to be a time of transformation, preparation, and renewal.
Jesus is driven into the desert right after his baptism in the Jordan River. Jesus was called to this time of trial and transformation before starting his earthly ministry. We all need to be driven into a time of conversion, transformation, and renewal as well. All human institutions are in need of transformation, change, and renewal, because by its very definition, anything human is flawed and imperfect. Our Church, our society, our lives are all in need of change and renewal.
As we begin our Lenten journey in the midst of the many challenges that face us in our daily lives, let us hear God calling out to us today.
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