Faith and Mission 

Lent

As we continue our journey through the season of Lent we are offered a particular time of renewal to deepen our relationship with God and others through prayer, fasting and giving to those in need. 

Take some time to re-visit the episode in the life of Jesus when he took time for prayer and fasting as he prepared to start his ministry. 

Scripture - A reading from the Gospel of St Matthew (4:1-11)

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 

But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” 

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Reflection

The three temptations that Jesus confronts are about self-sufficiency, power and control. With each temptation, Jesus responds with faith in the God who loves him. These temptations are familiar to us. 

If we give in to these individualistic temptations, by making poor choices, then we put distance between God and ourselves.

Sometimes, we like to blame others for the choices that we make; but they are ours. 

We need to take responsibility for our actions, reactions and thoughts.

How will you use these days of preparation?

• More prayer or different prayer
• Giving up or taking up?
• Giving to others in need (eg; Mission Action Day)

Pope Francis said: “LENT is a fitting time for self denial;

We would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty.

Let us not forget that real poverty hurts; no self-denial is real without this dimension.

I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.”

Prayer

Merciful God, tenderly guide us through this Lenten season. 

Help us to admit and recognise our wrongdoings and to seek forgiveness.

Give us the strength to change our behaviour so that we will follow you more faithfully. Amen

Create a pure heart for me

                                  psalm 50

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal

Faith and Mission