“...and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” (Mark 1:13)

Mark 1:12-15

Jesus is sent out into the desert. He goes out into solitude, the harsh, barren desert, where he has to face his priorities, be tested, and survive. 

Mark’s Gospel doesn’t elaborate on what priorities Jesus had to face. We are only told of how Satan tempted him. 

We, too, are tempted daily. Our temptations are to seek power, wealth, influence, sow division, and be more self-centred than  other-centred. The list is endless, and the temptations are persuasive.

Jesus knows his priorities are to love God and his neighbour above all else. 

Lent is a time to enter our desert and examine our priorities. During Lent, we remember God’s faithfulness and notice the gifts we have been given. We can learn to love God, ourselves and others more freely. We can reorder our priorities and hold onto the new start God has provided us with, with courage and excitement. Lent teaches us that the past and the present do not determine our future and that God makes all things possible. 

What will make this Lent different for you? How will this Lent make a difference to you?

Reflections by Gillian Hugo

Everlasting God,
Thank you for always offering time for us to reflect and start anew. 
Guide us as we face daily temptations. 
Remind us that our priority is to love you and our neighbours above all else.
Amen.

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