“Through the steadfast observance of Lent, may we gain pardon for our sins and newness of life after the likeness of your Risen Son.”
This closing line of the prayer said to bless ashes at the start of this Lent serves to direct us along the way from the experience of forgiveness, and to a newness of life. We are reminded in this season of communal renewal that as disciples we believe in the forgiveness of sins. We profess that each Sunday in the Nicene Creed. God has and does act to save us! We are also reminded that a maturing disciple puts on the image of Christ in their minds, hearts, and behavior. Jesus models for us the God of saving love in all his thoughts, words, and deeds.
In today’s Gospel story of his tempting in the desert, we find Jesus aware that his work among us as Messiah was not just one option among a variety of options. It was rather a real testing of His love and depth of His commitment to be the person to live the mission His Heavenly Father called Him to embrace.
In our Lenten devotions this season we walk once again in the newness of life in Jesus’ image. We are called to look and listen. We look for the opportunities among us to reveal the God of saving love in the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. We listen to the way in which the Spirit of Jesus is at work in us and through us as we embrace the gifts and Beatitudes with which we are blessed.
We will be gathering as a community in prayer and support of each other throughout this season of communal renewal. Be sure you pick up the calendar of events for the Lenten season. Let us keep each other in prayer as we ready ourselves for the Great Feast of Easter!