First Sunday of Lent

Genesis 9: 8-15

God looks upon all the destruction that the flood caused and regrets it.  He created all living things but then wipes them out and he feels bad about it.  I find it gratifying that God is in the same position that we sometimes are in.  We do something, regret it and feel bad about it afterwards.  God doesn’t undo the destruction but vows not to do it again.  He puts a rainbow in the sky.  He does something beautiful to atone for the destruction.  We are called to do the same thing during Lent – look honestly at our actions, regret what has caused destruction and then do something so that we don’t repeat the action. 

What do we regret?  What can I do to atone for the hurt I cause?

1 Peter 3:18-22

It is my privilege to celebrate baptisms.  It is always a joyous occasion.  It is always a little crazy and noisy especially when there are a lot of kids but it is a great celebration of life and faith.  Peter is telling his audience that baptism is not like washing dirt from your face but it spiritually cleanses the whole person, claiming the person for Christ.  We were baptized long ago but the spiritual cleansing is still operative because Jesus continues to call us to conversion.

Have we ever given thanks for our baptism?  How has baptism changed me?  What does baptism call me to do or to be in this world?

Mark 1: 12-15

I have always wondered why the Spirit would drive Jesus into the desert.  I assume the Spirit knows that Jesus will be tempted and will suffer.  Yet, Jesus is driven out to the desert.  The word “drove” makes me think that Jesus did not go willingly.  Perhaps this is an indication to Jesus of the type of life he will have in this world.  He will suffer.  He will be tested.  His life will not be easy.  It also says that Jesus lived “among the wild beasts and the angels ministered to him.”  No humans are mentioned.  It seems to me that the temptations come when Jesus is separated from the community.  He is not among those he came to save and so feels alone and tempted.  For me, negative influences come when I am isolated.  When I am with others, I get support, love and care.  

How am I integrated with the community?  Am I happy with others or do I feel alone in the crowd?  Have you had a “desert experience” like Jesus – suffering, temptation, isolation?  How did you get through it?

 I invite your comments.