First Sunday of Lent

The First Sunday of Lent - Today we heard the Gospel story of Jesus in the desert - being tempted by the devil - at the end of 40 days - very hungry. As we enter into the 40 days of our Lenten journey we can all relate to the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. We can also relate to being tempted by the devil - an occurrence which happens more often than any of us would like to admit - unlike Jesus - failing poorly in many attempts to avoid sin. In fact - if we would admit it - each of us could be considered an almost professional at sinning.  Very few of us have the strength - ability - stamina - to avoid sin. Most of our sins are minor - most very likely will not keep us out of heaven - still we sin more often than we realize - will ever admit.  Like Jesus - we are a hungry people - unfortunately what we hunger for - not always food. We hunger for fame - compliments - thank yous for every little thing we do - constant acknowledgement of acts of kindness which we perform. We hunger for acceptance - recognition - praise. We hunger for attention - love.  In these 40 days of Lent we will pray - fast - give alms.  We will pray for strength to avoid sin - temptation - we will fast from attention seeking - recognition - we will offer alms of self - giving coins from our personal treasury of our talents - gifts - abilities. In 40 days we pray that our hunger will be satisfied - with God's love.

God is pleased with every effort we make to improve ourselves during Lent - making not only our own lives better - also improving life for those around us. The opportunities are so numerous - like Abraham - you can count them as stars in the skies. This Lent - look out - look up - to the possibilities that are displayed before your eyes.

Deacon Dale