This morning we begin our Lenten Scripture
readings with the story of
parents, who disobeyed God’s Word.  In light of
that we should all be aware of our own
sinfulness.  The consequence of their action has
cast a long shadow over humanity ever since
and created a wall of division between God and

ourselves.  However, all is not lost because out
of the desert comes Jesus Christ to begin His mission of saving
people.

Greater than anything lost by Adam’s disobedience is the new life
won by the obedience of Christ who shared in our weakness so that
we might
where He is enticed to misuse His God-given powers for selfish
purposes is well known.  In permitting Himself to experience
temptation, He sets the example we must all follow when we come
face
evil. We draw comfort from the fact that the Savior knew what it felt
like to be tempted and as a result can sympathize with us in our
weakness.

Lent is a time for new life in Christ.  By joining Jesus in the desert of
our hearts we focus our attention upon the things which really
matter in life. The voice of God is calling us home and we should
make a conscious decision to serve the Lord and do what is pleasing
to Him.  This is not so much a season for giving up
opportunity for returning to the things of God we have neglected.  
Good habits are hard to keep and easy to lose. Prayer, fasting, and
almsgiving are the order of the season.  At the same time let us avoid
those heavy-duty acts of mortification, because friends, if we take on
sacrifices beyond our limits, we may very well end up becoming
everyone else’s penance.

Let us seek our strength in the
Fr. Hilary