Welcome to Lent and the journey of self-reflection and preparation for the remainder of the Church year. We begin the journey of repentance and reincorporation into the family of God.
Our invitation into worship gives the reminder that Jesus was tempted by Satan so that humanity could be assured God understands our condition. Our Hebrew scripture from Deuteronomy was presented the ritual of the presentation of the firstfruits by the Israelites once they are in the promise land. The Psalmist’s refrain describes the shelter provided by God and the safety found in our relationship with God. In the letter to the Church in Rome carried the admonition that Jesus is the promise that God’s grace and our trust in God are the only things that save us. Our Gospel from Luke was Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness following John’s baptism. Jesus’ testing binds us to Jesus (and God) and Jesus to us, so we might not lose heart.
Disclaimer – I misstated Luke’s family tree of Jesus. Jesus is tied to Adam and to God because Adam is God’s creation. While important, the misstatement does not detract from Luke’s description of the practical nature of Jesus – one where real people try to follow God. Jesus’ testing by Satan portrays the Jesus as Messiah as one who is accessible and meaningful to humans because Jesus was tested like we are. God can and will help because God knows the tests in the toolkit of Satan.
Things to consider and ponder; as we consider our life of faith we need to ask ourselves what it means to be Christian, faithful, just and merciful in the real world. How do we reconcile that justice may not appear merciful in the real world? How to we find ourselves bound to God when our understanding of God is at odds with “a definition” of being faithful? As we reflect on these questions, it is helpful to remember that we are not alone and that God puts others in our midst who are either on the same journey with us, or are navigating near our journey, who we can support and be supported by. Which person has or will God place near your path, who is very likely different than you are, to enhance our relationship with God?
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 92:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13: Luke 4:1-13
https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/lent-1-sermon-1
