Sunday is the first of Lent
On the first Sunday of Lent, our readings take us from the garden to wilderness. In the beginning, God created a world of abundant goodness, in which the needs of all could be met. Today, the climate crisis threatens to destroy the garden God created and makes it hard for many of our neighbours to grow enough food to eat.
In the gospel, we join a newly baptised Jesus in the desert. Amidst temptation, Jesus rests secure in his identity as God’s beloved child, setting the stage for the rest of his ministry.
Although Jesus will not turn stones into bread to satisfy his own hunger, he will soon reach out in love to feed thousands with a few loaves and fish. He refuses to throw himself from the pinnacle of the temple, but will later overturn the tables there.
Instead of succumbing to the temptation to be an earthly ruler, Jesus chooses the path of service and love that ultimately leads to his crucifixion.
As we begin this season of Lent, let’s journey with Jesus into the wilderness, opening ourselves to the gifts and challenges of that place, so that we can join him on the costly path to the Cross.
In the gospel, we join a newly baptised Jesus in the desert. Amidst temptation, Jesus rests secure in his identity as God’s beloved child, setting the stage for the rest of his ministry.
Although Jesus will not turn stones into bread to satisfy his own hunger, he will soon reach out in love to feed thousands with a few loaves and fish. He refuses to throw himself from the pinnacle of the temple, but will later overturn the tables there.
Instead of succumbing to the temptation to be an earthly ruler, Jesus chooses the path of service and love that ultimately leads to his crucifixion.
As we begin this season of Lent, let’s journey with Jesus into the wilderness, opening ourselves to the gifts and challenges of that place, so that we can join him on the costly path to the Cross.
26-30, F
