First Sunday of Lent, Year C, 21st February 2010

Inward Journey

The Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent is always the story of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The essence of these temptations was the idea that he could go it alone, that he could be entirely self sufficient. Jesus resisted this because he recognised his complete dependence on the Father. Possessions and pleasure and power are attractive; but when they define us, when they become the sum total of who we are, we become an empty shell. Jesus knew this and that his true destiny lay in his seeking to do his Father's will.

It would have been so tempting to accept the securities offered by the devil but He refused. Instead he placed his trust in God. and remembered the assurances of God's protection as found in the responsorial psalm of today Mass. 'God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways; they will support you with their hands lest you hurt your foot against a stone'.

In our temptations we too are being asked to put our trust in God. If we do so, we can be sure that God will send angels to protect us. These angels will come in many forms: in loving friends who support us, in some inner strength or courage, in some unexpected help. Then, in our turn we too are called be an angel (God's messenger) to others and to serve rather than seek self-glory or self gratification.

During Lent we have a chance to get below the surface of our lives. What is God calling me to? How does he want me to relate to the people in my world? Is there something that doesn't belong? Is there something missing? Maybe I just need to be reminded how close God is, that God is always at my side, offering comfort and strength in hard times. In this special time of year, we have a chance to go within and, like Jesus, to find our best selves.

Fr. Kevin O'Shea, C.M.

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