First Sunday of Lent
In my early studies, my favorite subject was Geography. It still is. I have a world map in my study room. I was always intrigued by how continents were formed and the vast landscapes of the world. I enjoyed asking geography-related questions to my grandkids, about where a certain country is located and their respective capital. It was fun. Do you know that one-third of the land area of the earth is desert? Oh yes, deserts always fascinated me. I picture a desert as a vast, treeless landscape of shifting sands. Little precipitation occurs and the lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to denudation. It is an inhospitable, harsh environment and dangerous, and one can easily lose their way in the desert. Think about the huge Sahara in Africa and the Gobi Desert in Asia. In our own country, we have what we call the high deserts of the Southwest. Arid, rocky, and rugged terrain. Very similar to the high deserts of the Middle East, especially in Israel, a good place to be alone with nature. When we talk about deserts, we are also reminded of the story of the Jewish people as part of our salvation history.
The desert had always been considered by the Jewish people as a place of test where they experienced periods of rebellion, idolatry, hunger, and disobedience. The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty days before they reached the promised land. But it was also through those experiences that the people of God learned fidelity, trust, redemption, and a stronger relationship with God. And our Gospel today presents us with the story of Jesus being tempted in the desert.
Today’s gospel story offers us some important insights to direct our spiritual journey during the next forty days. We start by hearing the story of how Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert. By going into the desert to be tested, Jesus is participating in a well-established Jewish history. The Jewish people had always considered the desert as a place of test where they experienced periods of war, rebellion, idolatry, and disobedience. But it was also through those experiences that the so-called chosen people learned fidelity, trust, redemption, and a stronger relationship with God.
On this first Sunday of Lent, we are invited to reflect on the need for a change of heart in view of the salvation that is coming to us. Lent is a journey, a pilgrimage of some sort. It is a time of grace, mercy, and hope that unites us more fully to Jesus Christ. Jesus offers this guidance announcing that “the time of fulfillment and the Kingdom of God has come near.” Repent, and believe in the Gospel, the message we heard last Ash Wednesday as we begin our Lenten journey.
To believe in the Gospel is to put our faith in Jesus Christ for He Himself is the Good News. To believe is not just to give one’s intellectual yes but to commit oneself, or surrender one’s whole being to the object of one’s belief. This commitment can only lead to repentance and conversion, the return journey to God. As Christian disciples, prepare ourselves by turning toward God, trusting God’s Word, and turning away from sin and all other worldly influences that would lead us away from God. Of course, there are challenges, there are temptations thrown our way. Temptation always shows its ugly head in our lives and we are constantly tested. The typical temptation is that it always appears to be an attraction, a comfort zone, a good idea, and there is that difficult issue of discernment. To surrender to temptation is a lack of trust in the love and mercy of God. To overcome this is a process called conversion or repentance.
Repentance, as our gospel suggests is a simple process. It is a process of letting go of the clutches of sin and turning to God. God’s call to repentance is a universal call that knows no bounds, except the human response. Will we respond when the chance is offered? When is the best time to repent? The obvious answer is “now.” Now is always the time. Who knows whether there will be another time if we wait?
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the first disciples responded quickly. They left their nets, their boats, their livelihood, and their families. They left everything and followed Jesus. When the truth has been found and the time is right, why not turn to the truth in fullness? Why not repent now? Why not follow Jesus? Jesus Christ is pointing to the presence of the Son of God in our midst, making present the Kingdom of God by his words and deeds.
Despite Jesus' manifestation of the signs of God’s kingdom, many do not heed His call to repentance and conversion. Change of heart requires hard work. For many of us, change is always a challenge, and the beginnings are usually accompanied by great hope and expectations, as well as anxieties and uncertainty. Whether in the corporate world, in government, or church administration, change does not happen automatically. We welcome change with rolling eyes and mumble to ourselves, “Here we go again.” No matter how good the leader or the program is, the recipient must be prepared and ready to adjust to the new system. Otherwise, real change will not take place and the new opportunities will be wasted in the process.
During these 40 days of Lent, the Catholic Church reminds us of the three spiritual practices associated with the Lenten season: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Jesus invites us to persevere in prayer, to be free of consumerism and replace it with fasting, and to share our goods with those most in need by almsgiving. Prayer is communicating with God and helps us to hear the Word of God clearly and increases our love of God by strengthening our relationship with the Lord through communion with Him. We are fortunate here at Sacred Heart that we have now more time and opportunity to visit the Blessed Sacrament, either in the church or in the Adoration Chapel. Fasting or self-denial not only frees us from being enslaved by our appetite or want but also helps us to be aware of the needs and sufferings of others. Almsgiving or charitable works help us to express our love of God and our neighbors by sharing our possessions and responsible care for others. These three practices are essential in a disciple’s life, especially this Lent but we have other ways to decide what we can give up or take on as we journey this Lent. We can take some inspiration from an article that appeared in the magazine America. That article offered some 101 ways to do and not to do this Lent. I do not have the luxury to cite those 101 ways but only a few of them. These few suggestions might also help as they might also fulfill those resolutions you have taken at the start of the year.
For starters: Chocolates, sodas, and dinner dates. Tried and true, you are not competing in the Penance Olympics. A small sacrifice, sure, but they are directly tied to your health and diet. Finding areas where you can cut expenses or go without your little treats and luxuries is a noble challenge. And you can make a thoughtful charitable decision on how to share the money you have saved when Easter comes. How about sugar in your coffee? If you take sugar, stop. If you don't, don’t start.
Salt? Be the salt of the earth, don’t eat it! And no salty language either! No swearing!
Buying coffee (Starbucks) and lunch at work: make a small fast from convenience by packing your lunch and making your own coffee and donate the $15-$20 at the end of each week to a charity of your choice.
Fidgeting with your wedding ring: Every time you catch yourself doing it, say a prayer to St Anthony in gratitude for lost items and blessings he has found for you in the past.
No Television – Media reports say Pope Francis has done it for the last 34 years. Try doing it for 40 days and see what happens.
The snooze button on your phone or alarm clock – Let the first penance of your day be hopping out of bed the first time the alarm sounds. And use the extra time wisely-spending time with God or loved ones.
Do tell people you are grateful and reach out. This Lent text 40 people (one each day) to let them know you are grateful and let them know you are thinking of them. If you are brave, scroll on your contact list and let the Spirit decide.
Alcohol – for those who just completed a dry January, keep the booze on the bar cart for the next 40 days. You have already shown yourself that you can do it.
Do pray the Rosary daily (at least a decade) reflecting on the mysteries and the faithfulness of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And read the daily Gospel, is always a great way to enter into prayer and to follow Jesus, not only in Lent but throughout the year
Do: Buy two. But a second morning bagel, muffin, or doughnut on your way to work and give it to the homeless person you see every day on your commute to work.
Lastly, do say “yes” to something new. Lent reminds us that life is short. While it can be easy to spend 40 days in your comfort zone, try saying yes to something new and exciting once a week, just something small to spark joy.
As we journey together during these 40 days towards Easter and the most joyful event of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, cherish our Lenten walk with Jesus through our personal reflections and sacrifices. Mat this Lent be filled with healing, peace, and hope in our lives. My prayer for you is that in the weeks ahead, you may discover more ways to use Lent to grow stronger in your faith and deepen your relationship with the Lord and others on the way to a glorious Easter.
