After Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan, He was led by the Spirit into the desert to prepare for his public ministry. There He fasted and prayed for 40 days. During this time, his faith was tested by the Evil One. Jesus was tempted by Satan with the usual temptations that we all face, to choose riches, power, self over God and others.
Lent begins March 5 Ash Wednesday and is the perfect time to clean the slate, wash the soul through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacramental sign of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are the words of absolution through which forgiveness of our sins and distinctive graces of sanctification are conferred.
RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
This Sacrament was instituted by Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate, on the evening of his resurrection. “In the evening of the same day…Jesus came and stood among them…Peace be with you…. As the Father sent me…so I am sending you…Jesus breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven. For those whose sins you retain, they are retained.'” (John 20:19-35)
God the Father of mercy awaits our return home as illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11) Today, the Church Jesus founded is the custodian of conversion, forgiveness of sins, absolution and reconciliation. This is God’s will that none be lost.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives his disciples three spiritual exercises—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—as antidotes to “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life” 1 John 2:16
If Adam and Eve had fasted from the tree of good and evil they would have never lost paradise and intimacy with God. Indeed, if we find it easy to indulge ourselves in food, then it is much easier for us to indulge ourselves in other “appetites” of the flesh as well.
Fasting brings the appetites of our flesh under control. By denying ourselves food, we help strengthen our wills in conquering sinful addictions.. Fasting reminds us who we are and our dependence on God. Fasting is a spiritual remedy for “the lust of the flesh
Almsgiving is a spiritual remedy for the disordered desire for possessions (“the lust of the eyes”) Almsgiving is not optional for salvation. Jesus does not say in Matthew 6, “If you give alms…” but “When you give alms…” Jesus assumes that “almsgiving” or “acts of mercy” will be a regular part of the spiritual life of his followers.
Jesus clearly teaches that giving to the poor is necessary for salvation. Nowhere is this clearer than in his famous Parable of the Sheep and the Goats Matthew 25:31–46. This parable shows the absolute necessity of almsgiving for salvation. “Whatever you did to the least of my brethren, you did to me.”
We need, after all, every reminder we can get that God is the one in charge. We are in need of his mercy. We must deny ourselves if we are to choose God on a regular basis! Fasting is an important element of the cleansing process. It humbles us. It causes us to acknowledge our needs, go way beyond the needs of the flesh, and reminds us who we are and our dependence on God. Fasting brings the appetites of our flesh under control.
What will our Lenten resolutions be? There are things we might do (commission) acts of charity such as donations to food banks, clothing drives, visiting the sick, work on reconciling family disputes, praying for the Souls in Purgatory, or attending Mass one day during the week. and things we may refrain from doing (omission)
There are things you may refrain from such as: talking bad about someone, watching your favorite TV shows, refrain from seeking attention or praise, refrain from dwelling on your real or perceived wounds.
Lent is the favorable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his word, in the sacraments and in our neighbor. May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.
