© Frederica Aban
First Sunday of Lent
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Lectionary A
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11
Psalm 32
As Lent begins, we want to remember that in this season we are seeking to cultivate our desperation for and wonder at the redemptive work of Jesus on Good Friday and Easter.
It is helpful to address two thinking errors regarding the reality of wilderness seasons and temptations in our lives. The first is this: If God really loved me, he wouldn’t allow such struggle/temptation/suffering in my life. The second thinking error is this: If I really loved God, I wouldn’t be tempted this way. The answer to both of these thinking errors is to look at Jesus.
God really loved Jesus. When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan river, the Scriptures tell us that “a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’” (Matt. 3:17 ESV). And, Jesus really loved God. This period of hardship and temptation did not come because Jesus had sinned or wandered away from God. Matthew 4:1 says, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
A hard and terrible season, including great temptations, doesn’t mean God doesn’t love you, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have done something wrong. Looking closely at the life of Jesus we see the one who came for us to rescue us and save us, perfectly obeying and being perfectly faithful while in the wilderness, and while being tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). And that’s good news!
The season of Lent, and sacramental acts of remembrance such as fasting, help us remember all that God has done for us to redeem us. They provide ballast to help us against temptation, help us to offer our best to God out of love and thankfulness, and help us remember to look to Jesus in faith.
The collect of the day says, “Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The Rev. John Gullett is the rector of Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church in Auburndale.