25^TH /26^TH FEBRUARY 2023

Dear Parishioners,

The Season of Lent began last week on Ash Wednesday. We were marked in the sign of the cross with ashes and invited: “Repent and Believe in the Good News”. The wearing of ashes is a sign of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. The sign needs to be examined to get its deeper meaning. To help us in this, last week we had a Pastoral Letter from Cardinal Vincent. There he set before us, three items to work on during Lent.

“This Lent, try to make a little more progress in prayer, in speaking of Our Blessed Lord to others, and in being a bearer to others of his compassion and love.”

Today’s scripture readings remind us of the temptations of Adam and Eve – its our story. Then we see how Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert – but he overcame the power of the Devil. Jesus reminds us: “We do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” While Jesus is always concerned for our physical well-being, he calls us to higher things – the Kingdom of Heaven.

Lent is a time of REFLECTION – see if we can set aside some precious moments to think on the life and words of Jesus – words we will have heard many times before. He is always speaking new words to us – give Him the time – and give ourselves the time to LISTEN to Him. This is what PRAYER is. Then there is the matter of FASTING – sometimes we think of giving up some food items or drink.  But the real fast is to refrain from things like: gossip,

the angry word, the greed in our lives and

turn to compassion, patience and solidarity with those in need.

We follow the example of Jesus who shows us how to live. Notice the devil says: “If you are the Son of God …” In other words, take advantage of your special high position … but Jesus humbles himself to be like us in all things, but without sin. Jesus is showing us that his is in solidarity with us. As St Paul says in his letter to the Philippians – “He emptied himself … and became one of us”.

Jesus came to serve, not to be served. Here is a further example for us, by leading us to look out for and assist one another in life’s journey. Hence the works of mercy we are invited to carry out during Lent.

So, we try to keep in mind the tried and tested formula of Lent – PRAYER, FASTING and ALMSGIVING. But let us approach the tasks with fresh eyes and minds – particularly the mind of Jesus Christ. Let it be a joyous time – not feeling sorry for ourselves – but see Lent as a new beginning, building on what we’ve been trying to do already – but now with a fresh heart.

Lent is about new beginnings, but is also an opportunity to re-double our efforts to continue our spiritual journey with renewed energy.

It’s worth taking note that the temptations of Jesus were in the places God dwells. The bread in the desert is a sign of the Manna fed to the people of Israel. The Temple – where God dwells; the mountain – Mount Sinai, Mount Tabor – where God is met by mere mortals. God is with us in facing temptations.

Have a blessed Lent and week ahead.

Fr Joe