February 21, 2010 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
21 FEBRUARY 2010, 5:15, 8:00, 10:30
READINGS: Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: The readings on this First Sunday of Lent carry the theme of the journey.
1. Moses is addressing the people of Israel near the end of his 40 year journey with them through the desert. Jesus has also begun his famous journey to his fate in Jerusalem by 40 days in the desert. We have also undertaken our 40 day journey through the desert of Lent. In the Sinai Desert the people of Israel were often sorely tempted. During his 40 days Jesus is tempted by Satan. During our Lenten journey we shall also be tempted.
2. What will those temptations be? Perhaps our faith in God himself will be tested. A popular argument against religion is that many evils have been perpetrated in its name. However, it is seldom noted that the two most murderous societies in history, the Nazis and the Soviet Communists, were aggressively atheist. The 18th century Frenchman, Voltaire, was an atheist. He once said, “I want my lawyer, tailor, valets, even my wife to believe in God. I think that if they do I shall be robbed less and cheated less.” That’s a good argument for faith!
Or, will the temptation be one of lust? What is most beautiful, the expression of love between a husband and wife, can sometimes be distorted. It is so when two people use each other for pleasure without commitment. In those cases everyone gets hurt. Young people, make wise decisions, use caution, exercise good judgment.
Or, will the temptation be one against what is true. Telling the truth is a great virtue. A certain rabbi said, “When I die and stand in the court of justice, they will ask me if I had been as just as I should have been. I will answer no. Then they will ask me if I had been as charitable as I should have been. I will answer no. Did I study as much as I should have? Again, I will answer no. Did I pray as much as I should have? And this time, too, I will have to give the same answer. Then the Supreme Judge will smile and say: “Elimelekh, you spoke the truth. For this alone you have a share in the world to come.” Truth is sometimes hard – but those who speak it and live it know its rewards. On the lighter side, once a shopkeeper saw a boy hanging around outside where there was a tempting display of various fruits. He went out to him and said, “What are you trying to do, young man; steal my apples?” “No, sir,” said the boy, “I’m trying not to steal them.”
3. Like the people of Israel, like Jesus in the desert, we shall be tempted on our journey this Lent. We have resources to resist them. The devil tempts the hungry Jesus to change the stones into bread. He declines. He will do something far better. In time he will change bread into his body, wine into his blood. That is our nourishment! The Eucharist is our source of strength.
Conclusion: We have begun our journey. During our voyage we fight temptation; we pray, fast and give alms; we feast at this Banquet of the Lord. With us constantly is our companion, Jesus. With him and with each other, we make our way to new life at Easter!