In this first week of Lent, we will look at the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Lent is a time of self-reflection: looking at who I am, who I am becoming, where my life is heading, what I value, and how I live: a time of discernment. We often decide to read scripture, attend church and pray more, and ‘give up’ special desserts or activities, or reach out in some way. All of this is good,
but our inner person, our heart, needs to be included to make or deepen our connection with and love of God. This happens when we experience God and come to know (not know about) God. Then we are brought to greater wholeness; then we can truly live.
We may be doing exterior things to avoid dealing with our real temptations or decisions, perhaps the deep issues in our hearts. To live fully, we need to start
healing our hurts. Remember that what we do not heal traps us and is generally transmitted to others. What a gift healing would be for each of us. How will we begin to heal?
This scripture text shows that the Spirit led Jesus into the desert. Let us think about the Holy Spirit for a moment. It is this Spirit who baptised Jesus in the River Jordan, baptises us, came upon Mary so she could conceive Jesus, inspired Elizabeth and the baby
in her womb to recognise that Mary was carrying Jesus, alerted Simeon and Anna that Jesus was the expected Messiah, and breathed on the waters “in the beginning” and God said, “Let there be...”. (Genesis 1)
The Spirit is present where life and creation happen. We are created in God's image, in the breath of God’s Spirit. The invitation is to open our hearts to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as Jesus was, and truly live.
Am I ready to open my heart to being filled with the Holy Spirit?
This Lent, will I trust the Holy Spirit to be with me, help me reflect on my life, and look more deeply into what traps me and gives me life?
Reflections by Kath Knowles
