Tending to Lent

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into

the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."

(from Mt. 4:1-11)

One of the more fascinating journeys I have taken was through the arid wilderness of Death Valley.

A Death Valley journey is noted for its heat, beauty of the surrounding hills, a museum, and warnings which include weather, road conditions, and survival plans. 

Warnings for hikers, backpackers and drivers include self-reliance, good maps and one reading, "If you find an illegal marijuana site, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!".

Tending to Lent might be considered a type of arid wilderness with preparations.

These preparations often include inauthentic sacrificial acts like "giving something up for Lent", like chocolate, (a big sacrifice for me).

But then, how does doing trite acts of sacrifice make you stronger to face difficult times in your arid wilderness?

"Taking something up", such as authentic praying, fasting, and giving alms, are other preparations for a wilderness journey designed for increasing spiritual strength.

But then again, how, at the wilderness journey's end of fasting forty days, praying, and giving alms, made a difference when you encounter your arid wilderness?

Jesus' desert detour wasn't about physical location nor his powers to resist the Tempter.

It's about faith and trust in God.

The Tempter offers Jesus three opportunities: commanding stones to become bread; being rescued by angels after jumping from a tower; earthly power and splendor. 

Jesus' answers reflected faith and trust in God as he faced the Tempter's opportunities of acceptance or rejection.

Jesus' desert detour is about faith that God will provide that needed deep trust.

Because of Jesus' desert detour, we can comprehend God's mercy grace, and love as we authentically, tend to the Lenten practices of praying for others, fasting from societies' false obligations, and giving socially responsible alms.

These Lenten preparations assure us we are not alone in a wilderness of temptations.

Think about it: What is your source of strength or courage when you feel the tug of temptations?