Friday, March 15, 2019

First Sunday In Lent


How does a worm get inside an apple? Dig’s it’s way in? No, the insect lays an egg on the apple blossom. Sometime later, the worm hatches in the heart of the apple, then eats its way out. It begins on the inside.
Shakespeare wrote in “Julius Caesar” “the fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves.” Left unattended it can destroy us – break homes – shatter hearts – ruin bodies – all because we have failed to recognize sin.
The First Sunday of Lent, we always hear about the temptations of Jesus in the desert. In some way, we also face the same temptations:
1)   Temptation Not to Fast
We have all been there. I looked in the cupboard on Thursday and there they were potato chips. Didn’t we clean all the junk food out? Where did that come from? We may have given up alcohol, social media, our favorite food.  But Lent is long, and maybe we are having a stressful day. Well, what’s the point, giving up such a small thing? It really doesn’t matter. Have just one – just an hour – just a day – just a week.
Why should we fight it?
It is important to fast – so we will not be slaves to our appetites – we must be able to control ourselves.
We also fast to remind ourselves who our real master is – and where real happiness lies!  Jesus said – “One does not live on bread alone.”  Like happiness my brothers dog Yogi got when he discovered a big bag of food and no one around.  Best happiness is uniting ourselves with God!
2)   Temptation Not to Pray
The devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world – they are yours, just do not worship God. The devil does not have to go so far with us. Just show us our smartphone. Or maybe this project must be done, or this game must be played on Sunday morning.  Or, there is a new series on Netflix that I must binge watch.
Jesus said: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.” – not our curiosity, busyness or our laziness.     Only way to serve – Life up our hearts and minds to God – pray!
3)   Temptation Not to Give Alms - presume God will take care of everything
Devil takes Jesus up to the top of the Temple – throw yourself down – God will save you.  “Do not put the Lord your God to the test!”
He refuses to fall into presumption. It’s like I sin and tell myself – I can go to confession. Of course, we can – but we take advantage of His mercy and use God.
We are also asked to do our part. God will do it, the government will do it, my parents will do it – what about me?  Love in action means being of service to others, not being served. Remember Jesus at Last Supper – knelt and washed their feet. As I have done you also must do!
The real Temptation this Lent is to go through the motions.  The word is near to us, waiting for us to reach out so that he can transform us!  This is the time – do not wait!!!