The word “lent” means spring time. It is a time when the cold and darkness of winter give way to the season of light and growth. We too struggle with thoughts of darkness as cold hard facts give way to the light that Jesus brings to us.
Jesus’ time in the desert was a time of intense feelings as he pondered what his heavenly Father had proclaimed to him, “You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” This is who he was and who he was to become with the mission of bringing about the kingdom of God.
We too have the opportunity to claim our belovedness in Christ and our mission for this world. Like Jesus, we will be tempted with craving for physical pleasure, power, and desire for recognition for the good that we may have accomplished. But the only thing that really matters is that we are beloved and that God’s love will never leave us. Like Jesus, we are called to put everything else aside. In our fasting, we are to put on a happy face and share the joy of the Gospel.
- What does Lent mean to you?
- Are you called to a prayer that helps you accept that you are the “beloved of God?”
- How do you deal with the temptations that come your way?
O God, show your will for my life now.