Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Lent. During the season of Lent, we are invited to examine our lives, to repent our sins and do penance. By means of fasting, penance and prayers, we obtain the strength we need to overcome temptation. The Gospel told us of the victory of Jesus over the devil in the desert. Led by the Spirit, Jesus went into the wilderness, where he prayed and fasted for forty days. He was tempted three times and he resisted all three temptations. The three temptations can be summed up as temptations to power, pride and glory. The first temptation demanded that miraculous power be used to provide for basic material needs. The second temptation demanded that Divine power be used to produce a spectacular “sign” that would compel anyone to believe, leading to pride. The third temptation demanded the use of Divine power to establish a worldly Kingdom of God and secure glory. All the three temptations can be summarized briefly as short cuts to an end and to be unfaithful to the call and mission of God. All appealing just like today’s ‘get rich schemes’ they seem too good to be true, usually are, and then come at a high price.

Jesus had the mission to save the world by his suffering and cross. All the temptations Jesus underwent in the desert called for the misuse of his power as messiah and Son of God. The devil tried to get Jesus to take the easy way out. Imagine how things would have changed if he didn’t stay true to his mission.

Lord,
Help each one of us to see our priorities and not be led astray,
Help us to not become too concerned about material things and seek our own glory.
During this time of Lent help us more clearly to see the ways to follow you,
We come to you for refreshment and renewal,
Help us to forget ourselves and find true happiness in serving you. As we
re-examine our lives through self discipline and prayer may we enter your stillness, be sensitive to your call and know your will for us.
Amen.

Thank you to everyone who attended our special assembly for Catholic Schools’ week on Friday. A special thank you to Mr. Tuckwell for his preparation and setting up. It was lovely being able to have the liturgy outside in our beautiful surroundings. If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit our “gallery” in the hall, it will be on display until next week so feel free to drop in or view it at this week’s assembly.

Have a lovely week everyone,
Kayleen Petzer