A few days ago, we began the Great Season of Lent. Ashes were imposed upon our heads and we were admonished to do works of penance and service and atone for our sins. At the same time however, we are not to let anyone know what we are doing. Only God should be aware of our self-sacrifice. The world doesn’t want us to sacrifice. The world wants us to indulge. “Eat, drink, and be merry,” is the way of society. No one, not even Jesus, is immune from the temptation to please oneself. It’s natural to look out for number one and put ourselves first. Yet when we do that, we run the danger of going too far and falling into sin.
The responsorial psalm for today, psalm 51, is one of my favorites. The line that is most telling for me is “my sin is before me always.” We know our sins; we know those things that tempt us to sin. However, God invites us to renew his spirit within us so that we have the strength to ward off temptation and evil and continue on the path of holiness. Last week we were told to be perfect (or holy) as God is perfect (and holy). The way that we become more perfect is by leaning on God especially when times are tenuous or the way isn’t clear or we are confused.
The devil came to Jesus when he was at his weakest after fasting for 40 days. We often are tempted when we are at our weakest as well. That is the time that we should lean on God the most. I encourage you to participate in the various events at our parish and in our family during this Lenten season. Allow yourself the opportunity to be spiritually renewed and challenged especially as you sacrifice and engage in more prayer during this holy time.
Have a great week,
Msgr. John
