"The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel"
The words of Jesus in Mark's Gospel are appropriate as we begin our forty day Lenten journey. As Catholics, we believe by repenting we can change our lives. We can become who we were meant to be in God's eyes. Lent is the perfect time to achieve this. Mark paints a picture of Jesus in the arid desert for forty days. He is being tempted by the devil. During lent we too travel forty days with Jesus, attempting to resist our own personal temptations. We hope to change our lives through prayer, penance, fasting and almsgiving. By following Jesus' example we strive not to succumb to the devil's bait.
Today's scripture shows we are not alone in achieving this. The reading in Genesis reminds us of the Covenant with Noah and his descendents that extends to all of us. It fills us with hope and the promise of God's mercy and fidelity. Never again will the earth be ruined by destructive flood waters.
St. Paul connects Noah's salvation from the devastating waters of the flood to the saving waters of Baptism. Through Baptism we become heirs to the kingdom and graced with the power of the Holy Spirit. In addition, the sacrament of Reconciliation is an indispensible resource of strength, forgiveness and transformation.
During leap year, let us take a leap of faith; faith that we can transform our lives. Our Church provides us with the means to do so with the sacraments, scripture and our faith community. Let us ask ourselves, what can we do to grow closer to God and make ourselves and our world a better place?
Prayer
Loving God, help us to feel your presence on our Lenten journey. Assist us as we strive to repent and resist the temptations of our precarious world. May we joyfully join in your sacrifices and be examples of your kingdom here on earth. Amen
Patricia Higgins Michel
Blauvelt Associate
Blauvelt Associate
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