Scripture Reflection, February 10: Appreciating Lent

Sunday Scriptures:
Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7
Psalm 51
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

This week while exhibiting at an event at St. Xavier University, I met a Muslim woman who works for the Interfaith Youth Core in Chicago.  She was there to do a workshop for the students, and she overheard a conversation I was having with one of the vocation directors with the Sisters of Mercy.  We were talking about Lent, and this Muslim woman asked what Lent was.  A seemingly simple question can be difficult to answer sometimes.  Realizing that I could not assume any knowledge on her part, I attempted a response.  I told her that Lent is a special time for Christians to remember when Jesus was in the desert and was being tempted by Satan with power and riches of the world.  Like Jesus who had to face his temptations and go without the comforts he was accustomed to, we are to do the same during this season.  Unfortunately, the Muslim woman had to rush off to her workshop, so we could not finish the conversation.  I did continue to think about it, though.  I wondered what her next question would be, which helped me to realize that I am taking my own understanding of Lent for granted and need a deeper appreciation for this season.  

Unaware of the scripture readings for this Sunday at the time of the conversation, I did not realize that I was indeed going to get an opportunity for further reflection.  This Sunday’s Gospel reading relates Jesus’ experience in the desert.  While reading Matthew’s account, I asked myself this question: “Why would Jesus go into the desert in the first place?”  The Gospel tells us that he was “led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil.”  I would like to believe that he was not just in the desert physically, but also emotionally.  I picture Jesus in need of some quiet time for prayer and solitude because he was scared about what he was called and had to do.  He was to proclaim the reign of God with courage and fidelity.

As Christians we believe that Jesus was both human and divine.  Oftentimes we have the tendency to forget about Jesus’ humanity and focus solely on his divinity.  As a human, Jesus easily could have been apprehensive about his mission on this earth.  He was preaching a new way of life which upset the religious authorities at the time, putting his own life in danger.  While in the desert he was weakened and susceptible to the temptations of Satan. Yet he chose to continue with his mission because of his deep love for us.  His response was divine.  He committed himself to following his Father’s will and his responsibility of dying for our sins that we may have new life.  

My parish pastor recently told us in a homily that we come to know and relate to others through our weaknesses.  Jesus was able to relate to us and to commit to his own mission through his time of temptation in the desert.  During Lent we are asked to make ourselves uncomfortable and to be weakened through fasting and abstinence, so that we may meet Jesus and one another on a more profound level of relationship.  

Questions for reflection:
What do you need to do in order to have a more meaningful Lenten season and be able to make room for Jesus and others in your life?

JoEllen Windau