By Andy Chambers, St. Paul, Pensacola, Fla. This week's Gospel from Luke has Jesus being moved to the desert by the Holy Spirit after His baptism in the Jordan. The Holy Spirit tends to move us in strange ways, and not always where we want to go. As we fast and pray this Lent, may we rid our bodies, minds and hearts of sinful ways, and may the Holy Spirit fill us, and transform us to be eager to share our Faith, Hope, and our Love of our God with our neighbors.In Luke's writings this week, Jesus is tempted by Satan after 40 days of fasting and praying. He is at his physically weakest point, and Satan begins to tempt him by telling him to turn rocks into bread. Jesus answers by saying that man does not live on bread alone. We need the word of God to nourish us too.
Jesus is tempted twice more, and twice more Jesus quotes scripture to Satan, putting him back and denouncing him. Jesus does not fight Satan on his own will, he relies on the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen him. We need to realize that we are weak too, but Satan won't just go away from us. We need to pray to God and ask him to send the Holy Spirit down to us, to fill us in our weakness, during our temptations, to give us strength and courage to fight Satan and avoid sin.
During this Lent, while we fast and feel our physical hunger, let's remind ourselves that Jesus is ready to feed us spiritually. Be ready to share your gift with your family, friends, and neighbors. I pray that the Holy Spirit gives you something you need, but may not be expecting, and I pray that you share it with that somebody special who needs to see God in their lives.
Dear God, please send us the Holy Spirit to help us fight our daily temptations, and to strengthen us to do the right thing. Help us Jesus to do as you, and see the daily opportunities given to us to touch the lives of all your children. Fill us with your love this Lenten season and remind us of your sacrifice for us as we await your resurrection this Easter. Amen.
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