Church of the
Annunciation

I can go over to the baptismal font, look down, if the light is right, and see my reflection. When we proclaim the 2^nd creation story from the Book of Genesis we can see ourselves in the persons of Adam & Eve – Everyman and Everywoman. The Biblical author given us a theological insight into our nature: God creates man and woman as suitable partners to complement one another; they are in a garden in harmony with all of creation and with God; God has given them the freedom to choose from the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; Adam and Eve are deceived and disobey God. They must leave the idyllic garden and enter a world of sin alienated from God and neighbor. We are Adam and Eve.

We can look in the baptismal water and see Jesus. In our Gospel Jesus too, like Adam and Eve, is tempted by the deceiver to satisfy his hunger for food; to do something spectacular to impress his followers; and to gain the world by worshipping a false god – the evil one. Jesus says “no” to Satan. He remains faithful to God, his Father. St. Paul in our second reading writes that Jesus is the New Adam, whose obedience, brings us back in right relationship with God. 

Lent is a time when we are led into the desert by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. It is not easy for us to examines ourselves honestly and confess our sins. It is easier to make excuses. With Jesus we have the opportunity to experience a deep inner hunger for God rather than satisfy and gratify our appetites. With Jesus we can choose the difficult path of discipleship rather than asking God to rescue us from our own evil devices. With Jesus we can forego our inclination to grab for power, recognition and possessions and choose a more anonymous life of generosity, faithful service and compassion. Lent is a season when we pray to God that there will be less of me in all that I am and do and more of Christ.