Today we observe the First Sunday of Lent - The Scriptures read at Holy Mass today - very interesting. Most will focus on the Gospel - Jesus going into the desert for 40 days after being baptized by John in the Jordan - the basis for spending 40 days in Lent - walking in the personal desert of our lives. Many will completely overlook the First reading - the commentary that says - "My father was a wandering Aramean who went down to Egypt with a small household and lived there as an alien" - a homiletic side bar - perhaps encouraging us to consider the current concern about immigrants. The Second reading likewise leans towards this also - "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him.
As we spend these 40 days in Lent - wandering in the desert of our minds - hearts - we need to not just consider ourselves - also others - who live near us - who walk similar paths - cope with similar issues. As we head into our prayer closest to meditate this Lent - we need to speak to God in our prayers - give voice to what we should be doing - for ourselves - our community - that we may grow in all the ways God is calling us.
Deacon Dale
