Jesus’ Map for Our Lenten Journey - Part 1 (03/06/2022)

As I reflected on the gospel for today, the 1st Sunday of Lent, I was filled with gratitude to our Savior, Jesus Christ, for His example and for presenting to us as the WORD the path for our Lenten journeys. If we could truly embrace “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” contained within the account of both how Satan tempts us but also what is essential to us, we would understand our journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday better.

Temptations are real. Temptations come at us as we try to make our way along the journey. That is the first truth Jesus set before us. As Son of God and Son of Man, Jesus was tested. As children of the LORD born to the human race, we should expect the same. Temptations are not an indication of our imperfections but rather of our humanity which is graced with free will that means choosing will always be a part of our lives. As disciples, we must be attentive and engaged as we make our way, for there will be decisions constantly that will either build upon the graces received or diminish them.

Let us focus on that realization today as disciples, that we are faced with choices throughout every day. Let us commit to being intentional about our choices, seeking to discern the will of the LORD for us and cooperating with the grace of the Spirit to realize who we are called to be moment to moment. And let us give thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ, who chose to suffer for us to defeat sin and to win for us reconciliation and restoration.

Until tomorrow, choose wisely to love well.

Please continue to pray for peace in our world:

Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come to You seeking your help in building world peace and in ending the violence and aggression of Russia against Ukraine. Show us the way to restore a world order that honors others’ freedom and that unites us as one humanity. Make us witnesses of justice and love so that we might be agents of your will and defuse the division and defeat the hatred. Grant that your will may be done here on earth as in heaven. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.