First Sunday of Lent
“Filled with the holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days …” (Luke 4:1-2)
The desert.
I am in my own desert. Of course. It is Lent, after all.
My prayer is dry. I’m in pain because of my rheumatoid arthritis. I have no clear idea of what I want to do for Lent. I have a list but the list is long and seems to be more of a to-do list than a plan to grow closer to God.
Then I realize. I am not keeping my eye on the Lord. I am looking at myself. I am relying on myself. I am trying to run my own show. I am trying to see what I can get out of Lent.
I need to let go and let God. Let God decide my agenda for Lent. Let God decide my prayer. Let God decide my path.
Jesus was led into the desert and was tempted by the devil. But he resisted. He never turned away from God. He looked to scripture to give him strength.
There is a lesson in there for me.
‘You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve. Luke 4:8
Dear Lord, thank you for the desert. Thank you for reminding me to worship you and you alone. Help me to allow myself to be led by your Spirit throughout Lent and beyond. Amen.
Catholic Prayer Life 