Each year on the first Sunday in Lent, we are reminded of the journey into the desert and the temptation of Jesus. But it is not really about Jesus, for there was never any danger of His falling for the temptations. Rather, it is about Jesus resetting the ‘clock’ for us. Adam, when faced with temptation gave in and fell prey to the devil. Jesus rejected the devil and showed each of us the correct response. Our Responsorial Psalm from psalm 91 says “be with me Lord, when I am in trouble.” Paul’s letter to the Romans says “What does scripture say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart…for if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
As Vincentians, one of the greatest temptations we can face is the temptation of pride – believing that we are the catalyst for change and healing and positive answers for those we minister to. Satan works hard to convince us of our own self-worth. He tries to use the good we do to draw us away from the source of all goodness. It is humility which helps us to overcome pride. Reminding ourselves that nothing we accomplish is accomplished without God. It is good in the Lenten season to take time to remind ourselves of the need to keep our focus always and everywhere on our Lord Jesus and to not “put the Lord our God to the test.” Do I thank God every day for the opportunity to be His servant? Do I give credit and glory to Him for what he allows and enables me to do?
Lord Jesus, I pray this Lenten season that you will shield me from the temptation of pride and help me to grow in humility. I praise you and worship you as the source of all that is good. Allow me to be a vessel serving you in whatever way you call me to. Let me look at those whom you bring before me, and see in them what it is that you call me to. Help me to recognize Lord that as I serve them, they serve me. In Christ’s name! Amen
Deacon Mike