Fr. Simon's Letter - February 26, 2023

We have begun our Lenten journey in earnest, with all the good intentions of embracing the disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. We may have renewed some tried and tested resolutions, such as giving up chocolate, booze, or caffeine or being critical of or gossiping about others. We may have resolved to attend Mass through the forty days of Lent or on the Sundays of Lent. Or we may have decided to pray together each day through the season as a family. In our effort to give alms, we might plan to give the money we save from our daily fix of Starbucks to someone who is hungry or has to walk a mile to get water. Perhaps instead of hitting every sale to add to our collection of sweaters and shoes, we choose to help clothe someone naked or homeless. 

No matter how determined we are in our Lenten resolutions, we quickly discover the temptation to take the easy way out and indulge in instant gratification. And yet, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus was tempted in every way, just like us. On this First Sunday of Lent, the gospel is always about the temptations of Jesus. Right out of the gate, after he was baptized and about to begin his ministry, Jesus was tempted. Though most of us are familiar with these temptations, taking a fresh look at them doesn't hurt.
 
The first temptation showed Jesus feeling the pressure of his hunger. Perhaps his thoughts turned towards his future. Would he become a close collaborator of John the Baptist, or would he break out alone? Where would he start, and what would he do if he went alone? Jesus is tempted to take the comfortable option and fill himself with food. We all strive not to put more pressure on our already stressful lives. We don’t have to fill our busy lives with ‘more.’ Jesus teaches us that it is OK to be empty and know what is important. It may be the word of God that can fill the emptiness, satisfy our hunger, or help us deal with stressful situations.

The second temptation concerns leading with spectacular signs and reforming the world with worldly power. Jesus very quickly puts to rest any grandiose aspirations of glory. Who among us has not felt the urge to rid the world of all its problems with just a wave of the hand? When all is said and done, what is the difference between descending gently down the stairs from the lofty pinnacle of the Temple to the cheers of a marveling crowd below and walking on water towards his frightened disciples? Jesus teaches us to embrace our humanity and accept our limitations. It may be that we need to bring to  God our hopes and aspirations, along with our pain and problems, and trust his will in prayer.

The third temptation may be the desperate desire to manipulate and control people's actions and ensure conformity. From being back-seat drivers to being in charge of everything, we want everything done our way. We are willing to give up whatever it takes to have the power. Jesus reminds us that it is OK to be a big-fat nobody, at least in the kingdom. Maybe in ‘letting go’ or ‘giving up the reins,’ we let God be God and humbly acknowledge his power and mercy.
   
As his life unfolded unexpectedly, how did Jesus decide just what to do and how to choose? Indeed, he remained always open to his Father's will. Many of our temptations, in and of themselves, are not temptations to do something wrong. What may be more significant than what we do, is why we do what we do - and how often we seek to discern what God asks of us.

We may find ourselves in this journey of Lent, sometimes empowered by the disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving; challenged by the pressures of time and temptations; or desolated that just could not get started or sustain our best-laid plans. No matter where we may find ourselves on this journey, let's remember that God meets us where ever we may be.

Along with this Lenten journey, we are also on the life-long journey of discipleship. The Disciple Maker Index Survey invites you to share with us what parish activities and programs help you sustain your faith, what you would like to see happen that would re-kindle and strengthen your faith, and what hinders your growth in faith and discipleship. Please fill out this anonymous and confidential survey to help our parish, the entire archdiocese, and its leadership better respond to various needs. This is not about you going out to ‘make disciples’ (although that is our true calling); this is about helping the Church’s leadership to help you be a better disciple. The greater the participation, the better the sampling we will receive, which will help us plan for the future. Please note that the survey is open until March 31. Please see the bulletin for the options available to complete the survey. Thank you for your participation in helping us help you.

Blessings!!