Faith Reflection and RE News
Faith Reflection
Mark 1:12-15. Jesus is tempted in the desert.
As we embark on our Lenten journey, we reflect on last week's passage from Mark recounting Jesus' forty days in the desert. In Mark's characteristic style, there are scant details provided. We learn simply that the "Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness, where he remained for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him." However, Matthew's account delves deeper into the interaction between Jesus and the devil. We hear of Satan tempting a famished Jesus to turn stones into bread or offering him dominion over all earthly kingdoms. Ultimately, Jesus rebuffs him, declaring, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
From this narrative, several key points emerge. Firstly, it reminds us that Jesus embodies both divinity and humanity. While we often emphasize his divine nature, he also experienced human emotions. Jesus's need for solitude in the face of impending conflict with the authorities, leading to his eventual execution, reflects a relatable human response. Understandably, he withdraws to the desert, where he encounters Satan at his most vulnerable.
Many of us can empathize with such moments of apprehension before significant events, whether it's sending a child to school for the first time, facing a daunting presentation, or preparing for a medical procedure. Under pressure, it's natural to seek solitude while grappling with negative thoughts. In these instances, Jesus empathizes with our struggles, having experienced similar challenges. He understands first hand the weight of difficult circumstances and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Like the imagery evoked in the "Footprints in the Sand" poem, Jesus carries us most when we feel most vulnerable and alone.
During this Lenten season, Jesus doesn't expect us to travel this journey alone but accompanies us every step of the way. As we strive for self-improvement through acts of kindness, prayer, and reflection, we're reminded that Jesus stands beside us, offering encouragement and support.
-Jonathan Rooney
Religious Education Leader
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it."
Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
St John Vianney,
Pray for us
