First Sunday in LENT

Suggested Readings:

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

Psalm 32

Romans 5:12-19

Matthew 4:1-11

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These readings tell of temptation, sin, and forgiveness. The ancient story of eating forbidden fruit is an explanation of how sin entered the world. The basic sin of humanity is selfishness. The tempter convinced the woman that to eat of the fruit would make her like God. Well, who doesn’t want to be like God? She succumbed to the selfishness inherent in all of us to always look out for our own interest, often without regard for the consequences.

The season of Lent reminds us of the sin that so easily entangles us. It is frightfully easy to fall into the trap of self-pity and see ourselves as worthless creatures, who can do nothing but fail. God knows our propensity to sin. Lent begins with the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The first word, “remember” is a challenge to reflect on our humanity, not as failures, but as the beloved children of God, who in failure are still loved, forgiven, and restored to relationship with our heavenly parent.

When we take seriously the concept of reflection we want to change the direction of our lives. To repent (Gr. metanoeō) means to think differently, i. e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction). It is not inappropriate to weep over our failures, to seek forgiveness from the people we may have harmed. However, if we do not change direction, the tears, and pleas for forgiveness are meaningless.

There is good news. We have an advocate in the Holy Spirit who intercedes for us when we are unable to find words to express our pain. Because of Jesus the Christ forgiveness is always available. Because of Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome temptation and more fully live as disciples of Jesus.

The same Holy Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness of temptation is the same Holy Spirit that leads us through the wilderness of temptation.

I find the season of Lent to be challenging and renewing. One the one hand, I am challenged by the trap of sin into which I easily fall. But, joyfully renewed by repentance, forgiveness, and  reconciliation.