Lent 2 (year C)- Luke 13:31-35

 In the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent, Luke 13:31-35, we are reminded of Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem and the Cross. When warned that Herod Antipas, the Roman-appointed ruler of Galilee, seeks His death, our Lord replies with determined realism. He says, "I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem" (Luke 13:33 ESV). Jesus knows the path that He must walk. He must fulfill His ministry and mission. He chooses to do what He has been called and sent to do and to leave the outcome in His heavenly Father's hands. 

Although our callings are not of the same magnitude or nature, we are called to respond in a similar way. As we journey through Lent and through the whole Christian life, there are physical and spiritual obstacles and dangers. But these little crosses must not distract us from our Christian mission. We must be faithful and persistent. We strive to do what we are called to do as believers. We live and act in faith today and tomorrow, and we leave the future in God's hands.

Lent 1 (year C)- Luke 4:1-13

This year the Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent is from Luke 4:1-13. This selection is one of the accounts of  Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. As our Lord began His public ministry, He took time apart for prayer and fasting. Near the end of this time, the Tempter sought to catch Jesus in a moment of weakness. Satan used three basic human needs as points of spiritual attack. First, there was the physical need to care for the body- in this case, the need for food. Secondly, there was the human need for safe surroundings- in this case, political surroundings. Thirdly, there was the human desire for social contact and affirmation- in this case, the temptation to seek public approval by a showy display. Although the human nature of Jesus was tried, He was able to resist these temptations because of His unique divine nature. He remained connected with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Thus, Jesus overcame these temptations and did not sin. He also overcame temptation throughout His earthly life, death, and resurrection, and thus He won a victory for all humanity.

Unfortunately, even the most dedicated Christians do not have the spiritual perfection of our Lord, and we often succumb to one temptation or another. Still, we do have hope. Through our Christian baptism and through faith in Jesus Christ, His grace can strengthen us to resist many temptations. And when we do fail, His grace can lead us to seek repentance and renewal. Temptations to evil are bound to come, but there is good news.  Jesus Christ has conquered Satan, sin, and death, and He offers us His gracious help each and every day!

Ash Wednesday, the First Day of Lent- Matthew 6

 Scripture in general and the readings for Ash Wednesday in particular point us to the importance of our attitudes in religious matters. The key to observing Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season is found in these Scripture lessons. They all stress the spiritual aspects of fasting and repentance. The Gospel from St. Matthew 6 makes it clear that a disciple's attitude is very important. Our Lord assumes that His followers will fast, but He warns against being hypocritical or ostentatious.

External acts of devotion can be useful. Increasing our prayer time and Bible study are good. Giving up or decreasing some food, drink, entertainment, or purchases can be good reminders and expressions of self-discipline. Giving more money or time to charity is valuable. These and other practices can be expressions of faith and renewal.

However, the most important thing about Lent is not our external disciplines; the most important aspects of Lent are what God has done through Jesus Christ and our attitude toward Christ. In all we think, say, and do, we are called to repent, turn to Christ, and respond to Him in living faith. So during Lent, let us focus on what God has done and still does to save us. Let us seek to be more devoted to God and strive for a greater appreciation of Christ’s journey toward the Cross.