Hope Springs Eternal

On this first Sunday of Lent, we are presented with two very different ways to act in the face of temptation. The situations could not be more different. In the first reading, we find ourselves in the paradisal Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve could want for nothing. In Matthew’s Gospel, Christ has nothing as he is led to the desert by the Holy Spirit to fast for forty days and nights. Despite the stark contrast in situations, both Eve and Christ find themselves tempted by the Devil. It no surprise that the three areas of weakness Satan identifies in his pray are very relatable in our own lives.

First, Satan tempts with pleasure, focusing on the earthly desires of food, drink, etc. and not spiritual nourishment. Secondly, Satan acts upon our sense of pride, creating the temptation to believe that “it’s all about me” and that we ourselves are the center of the universe. Lastly, Satan attacks our desire for power; we all have urges, desires or goals to get what we want, even sometimes at the expense of others. Eve fell to these temptations of the Devil, but Christ did not. Looking at these two examples, I often fear I will act more like Eve and less like Christ. I question “how can I compete? How can I resist falling into temptation? I’m fully human and fully sinful”. The temptations Christ faced can dominate our lives in present day. But just as Christ was not alone in the desert, we are not alone to fight these temptations. God is there to help us. Lent is the perfect time to consider just how God helps us. One thing to consider during this Lenten season is how we can be more aware of our humble vulnerability as we stand before God’s incredible love.

It’s the time of year where Major League Baseball players report to team camp in either Florida or Arizona for Spring Training. The players work on the fundamentals of baseball, going back to basics in order to get ready for the upcoming season (I really hope my Mets are taking advantage of all of those opportunities for improvement!). I heard a phrase a few years ago that called Lent the Catholic Spring Training, as we are called to focus on the little things and get back to the basics of our faith. By focusing on the little things, we can really understand just how God helps us in our everyday lives. The first thing we can do is attend Mass and regularly receive Holy Communion. There is nothing like sharing a meal with a friend and there is no better meal than the Eucharist. Second, we can practice the Sacrament of Reconciliation. What a great opportunity we have when we can participate in the act of God’s saving Love. Lastly, we can turn more regularly to God in prayer. A simple morning offering or evening devotional can make all the difference in whether we have a good or bad day. These are three simple, fundamental practices we can all do in our everyday lives to see God. By doing the little things, we’ll be more than equipped when faced with the big things life can throw at us, especially when faced with the temptations of pleasure, power and pride.

Author: Colin Hanley, Senior Counselor