Dear Parishioners,
“At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.”
The Super Bowl came and went….the Olympics came and went….Mardi Gras came and went. Isn’t it amazing how such huge build-ups for events can leave us as quickly as they came? And many times, the only thing left is used confetti, empty buildings and broken hearts. In this weekend’s Gospel, three times Jesus is tempted to use his power to satisfy his own needs, to prove his identity, and to gain power and fame. Jesus resists those temptations. He does not give in, claiming “the devil made me do it” like we hear from Adam and Eve in the first Reading. Jesus remains faithful to his heavenly Father and to the identity given him at his baptism. He is God’s “beloved Son.” As he resists each temptation, Jesus holds fast to the truth found in the Scriptures. He calls to mind the word of God, knowing that a person only truly lives “on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Let this Gospel reminds us that as children of God we can resist temptation. We are not powerless in the face of evil. The Spirit of God dwells within us. And the truth of God’s Word that we hear proclaimed at every Mass reveals the lies marketed by the devil and sometimes by society around us.
Jesus was tempted and so are we. Jesus resisted temptation and so can we. Jesus remained faithful to his dignity as a child of God and so can we. With Jesus’ guidance and grace from the Holy Spirit, we too can live as Children of God and not puppets manipulated by evil and sin. Lent gives us a chance to resist the flashy temptations, quick fixes and living life for only our own pleasure and fulfillment. Let us have a truly spirit-filled Lent so we can look back on Easter Sunday and rise with the Lord knowing that we have shared the 40 days of Lent with Him. Amen!
A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
God bless you and your family, and throughout Lent, let the Light increase in your days and in your heart!
In Christian service,
Ed Karpinski
Pastoral Associate, Faith Formation
St. Aloysius Parish Blog 