A few thoughts from the powerful readings for today...
Theme: We are reminded that "One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." Our fasting reminds us that we have "another mouth to feed," that of the longing of our heart for a renewed relationship with the God of the universe, who is bigger than anything that scares us.
Psalm and Middle Reading: "Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble!" We all know this space well. We're backed up into a corner, and see no way out. But we're told the God will never leave us...so when we feel most alone, most attacked, we need to "hang on" to our faith in "every word that comes from the mouth of God."
First Reading: The Jews remember that they've been through some very tough times...and God has pulled them through.
Gospel: The better word for temptation is test. We take a test to reveal what we know...Jesus is being asked to reveal who he is...but keeps Satan guessing...,"If you are the Son of God..." Satan has no faith. He cannot discern the things of God. Jesus rebuffs him with "the word of God" to which he, and we, cling to in faith, and Satan scatters...but he'll be back. "He left him for a time."
In our faithfulness we're invited to the solitariness of the desert to be reminded that our greatest temptation will be that God has abandoned us. In the aloneness we fear we will really be lonely. Yet the word of God assures us "I will never abandon you." This is the primary lesson of our Lenten retreat...never to fail the test of trust.
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