Today’s Gospel reading is one that we’re all
familiar with. To me, it is the essence of Lent. Jesus spends 40 days in the
desert, fasting and praying, and is tempted by the devil.
As my parish priest said, this journey was
necessary for Him, just as it is for us. It is a necessary part of our
salvation. We have to be willing to follow the Lord and open our hearts to the
call. Trust and belief is what salvation is
based on. This tied into the Homily on Ash Wednesday, when the associate pastor
encouraged us to “Trust in Him with daily decisions and actions”.
Are we willing? I remember my mother saying “the
heart is willing but the flesh is weak.” We are human, and we have free will to
say “no”. May God strengthen our will to change that “no” into a “yes” so that
we can achieve eternal salvation.
The RCIA candidates, as well as the
catechumens, were presented to the congregation. It hit me last night how
beautiful it is, that this is done the first Sunday of Lent, with this Gospel.
How wonderful that we have this as part of our faith; that these adults, preparing
to become Catholic, walk to the altar and write their names in a book to be
counted among those who will receive Jesus in communion on Easter Vigil. For
these next 40 days, they will continue to prepare themselves to receive the
most holy of sacraments and will be welcomed into the Church. Please pray for
all candidates and catechumens.
Our pastor took the concept of temptation to a different level today and I was somewhat surprised. As you know it was the NH primary last Tuesday. Father talked about the "temptation" to vote with our desire. To want financial security or "things." He emphasized digging deeper and focusing on service. Interesting departure for him and it struck me.
ReplyDeleteWe love the Easter Vigil and look forward to it. Our first Sunday of Lent was taken up with a message from the Bishop for the annual Our Catholic Appeal. We didn't get much of a message other than that the Diocese needs our money. Sigh. Thanks for sharing your Priest's message!!
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