At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.   Mark 1:12-13 (NIV)

First Sunday in Lent

Endless winter, personified by snow and ice, extends as darkness overlaid with white. Attractive at first, as appears temptation, the ground cover exudes soot, grime, and casts a veil of barrenness in a dark, forlorn world. Under the earth, as yet unseen, plants journey toward the surface, seeking the warmth and light of the sun.
 
Lent, derived from a Teutonic word for Spring, calls us to look inward, assess our flaws, and seek forgiveness. Jesus spent 40 days in exile, tempted by worldly power, glory and wealth. He remained steadfast in refusing sin and evil, adhering to His faith, yet the outcome involved betrayal, imprisonment, and death.
 
Sometimes, what we see is not all that exists. Our eyes cannot view the subterranean growth, inching toward the light, yet our hearts know the flowers and crops abide beneath the earth. The knowledge of the heart grows stronger, and overcomes the darkness and cold.
 
Winter’s best quality is its temporary duration. With the strength of the Spring sun, the grayness of filthy snow will gradually disappear, replaced by the exultant green shoots seeking illumination.
 
Lent serves as a time of purification and introspection, when human souls shed the bonds of Winter, and reach toward the Light of forgiveness and love.

Father in Heaven,
the light of your truth bestows sight
to the darkness of sinful eyes.
May this season of repentance
bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness
and the gift of Your light.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.