February 18
First Sunday of Lent
“Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.”
Readings
Reflection
As Christians, we live in the midst of conflict, both in our daily interactions with the world, and within ourselves, which we might know as spiritual conflict. As we live with conflict, we may find ourselves becoming victims of situations that are beyond our control. As we experience these conflicts, we often will find ourselves feeling alone and abandoned, perhaps even losing faith. In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus struggling, as we do, with temptation. The reading we hear today accurately depict what we all experience at times in our life, including the human side of Jesus.
So what do these struggles have to do with Lent? Lent is a time for us to realize that God desires a relationship with each one of us. When our lives seem to be going well, according to our own desires and plans, it may be easy to forget God, but when we struggle and deal with temptations, we can turn back to the ultimate comfort, a renewed relationship with our creator. Why do we not desire to live in that relationship permanently, instead of often choosing to walk through life alone?
This Lent we have the opportunity to give over the struggles, doubts, and conflicts that we experience to our loving God. We have the opportunity for inner conversion. We can walk with Christ, witnessing how he carried the Cross-for us, not just for a moment in history, but to this day. Will we allow another Lent to slip through our fingers as time passes by, or will we choose to be involved in prayer and devotion, constantly reflecting and thanking God for giving us His only begotten Son?
Peace,
Would you like to receive these reflections in your inbox? Subscribe to The Sunday Read newsletter.