The focus of our readings not only for today, but for all the Sundays of Lent this year, is the relationship that GOD establishes with us through covenants. The word Lent comes from the Old English lencten and refers to the lengthening of days as springtime approaches. We begin Lent in the cold depths of winter and celebrate Easter, hopefully, in the warm spring sunshine. In the same way the season of Lent links the renewal of the earth and Christian life with New Covenant found in Jesus Christ. It is also the time set aside for us to renew our relationship with God.

Covenants are the binding agreements between GOD and those whom GOD has chosen. The covenant in our first reading is the one between GOD and Noah after the Flood. God promises that, “the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh” (Gen 9:11) and that he will leave the rainbow as a sign of his commitment to that covenant. In the second reading, Peter speaks of the covenant with Noah as a type of foreshadowing of the relationship which comes about through the waters of Baptism.  In the Gospel today, Jesus is tempted by Satan.  That is followed by Jesus beginning His public ministry by proclaiming that the kingdom of God has arrived.

How can Jesus be tempted you might ask? We need to remember that Jesus is fully human in all things except sin. He was tempted just like the rest of us. He is both fully human and fully divine, both animal and angelic. Holding off the temptations of Satan, Jesus finds the right balance. He disciplines the body and grounds the spirit. It is this reconciliation that is summed up by Jesus being among “the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.” (Mark 1:13) Jesus himself is the knitting together of creation, both the physical and the spiritual.

Jesus emerges from the desert experience with feelings of being renewed, committed, and ready to obey God’s plan of announcing the good news of the Kingdom of God by His very life, words, and actions, and ultimately death on the cross and resurrection. Jesus proclaims that “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:15) A New Covenant is being established. God binds divinity again to humanity in and through the person of Jesus, true God, and true human.

Today’s Gospel also reminds us that, as Christ was tested, so shall we all be tested. Every day of our lives, the devil tempts us, and he will continue doing so. However, this should not frighten us, because the Holy Spirit that helped Christ is always available to help us. It is also a reminder, that temptation is inevitable in our Christian journey.

Last summer, the City of Ottawa painted signs on the pavement of several streets in Manotick reminding people to slow down. The signs said SLOW and then 10 ft later the French translation, LENT.  This Lent as we prepare to renew our covenant with God let’s all slow down for 40 days. Let us  persist in prayer, fasting and abstinence and ask God to grant us the strength to endure till the end of our own test as Christ did.

Finally, let us sincerely make use of this period of Lent to ask God for forgiveness for all the moments we have not been faithful to our covenant with him. So, with the psalmist, let us praise him for his faithfulness: “Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.” (Psalm 25:10)

Join Brother Francis in this compact presentation of what Lent is all about and how we observe it as Catholics. Great for the whole family! Click Here to Watch.