We begin our Gospel account today in the desert, with the devil trying to tempt Christ with earthly power. It is a good place for us to begin the season of Lent, for I suspect many of us might find ourselves “in the desert,” spiritually speaking, from time-to-time—tempted by the material world. We also might find ourselves a bit “dry” when it comes to our spiritual journey—thirsting for a drink of the Holy Spirit to reinvigorate our prayer life or our life of service. I know that I find myself in the “desert” from time-to- time as sometimes praying the breviary does not speak to me, other times I feel “dry” when thinking of how I might serve God in a ministry or in some situation. I know this is true of my priest-friends, as when we get together on social occasions we speak of these “low” points in the spiritual life. This is normal for any of us. And in these “dry” times we should not feel inadequate or as if we are failing, but rather we need to turn even closer to God and seek His Spirit in our lives so that we are refreshed and rejuvenated.

As we consider this Sunday’s Gospel from Luke, let us be like Christ and not have our “hunger” satisfied by power or other earthly or material sources—with which the devil tempted Jesus—rather let us all be satisfied with the food and drink that nourishes us for eternal life—the Body and Blood of Christ. In being fed by God, we then are fortified and can fulfill His plan of being Christ’s light, love and compassion in this world. For it is in using the gifts God has given to each of us—and using them well—in right relationship with others and with God—that we then prepare ourselves (our souls) for eternity. Isn’t that the reason for our existence—living as one with the Father in heaven? Isn’t that the reason for Lent, a time of preparation? Blessed Lent to all.