REFLECTION FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR
Lent
is a time in imitation of Jesus spending forty days in the desert. Jesus fasted
in the desert and overcame the devil’s temptations. Jesus never sinned but in
the desert he was tempted and during these forty days of Lent we remember Jesus
as we try to overcome temptation in our lives and to overcome sinfulness. There
is practically no hiding place or shelter in the desert and the difficulties of
the desert make whatever is inside a person come to the surface. Lent is an
invitation to us to take the courageous step of “going into the desert” and not
hiding from what lies hidden deep within us. Lent is a time to put our souls
before a mirror and see ourselves as we really are. Lent is an invitation to
allow our sin and darkness and wounds come to the surface so that we can deal
with them and allow them to be healed by the grace of Jesus. During these forty
days of Lent we do not hide from our sinfulness or prevent God speaking to us
or healing us during this Lent. The first thing in overcoming anything is to
admit the problem. If we remain in denial, we miss out on the grace of God to
heal us and renew us and make us whole. During Lent we say no to devil’s
temptation to continue committing sin and instead we trust in our heavenly
Father like Jesus in the desert. Lent is not only about helping others about
doing something, it is also very much about the type of person we are. Through
prayer, fasting and forgiving others and not bearing grudges and through works
of charity, may we like Jesus overcome temptation and then be well prepared to
celebrate Easter.
