CHURCH SOCIAL TIPS
On the first Sunday of Lent, the Gospel according to Mark proclaimed: “The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for 40 days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.”
So often the imagery associated with Jesus’ time in the desert depicts him as being alone, but Scripture indicates he was not. From this passage we know Satan, wild beasts and angels were with him. It caused me to reflect on my journey this Lent, and maybe you should consider too, where is the spirit driving you? What is the devil tempting you with this Lent? Who are the wild beasts threatening you and how can you call on angels to guide you through this spiritual desert?
Call on the Holy Spirit!
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Invoking this prayer always helps me decide which prayer practices I will experience during the 40 days to deepen my relationship with Christ for the season. Over the years it has led me to retreats, new prayer practices like “Lectio Divina,” adoration, and a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Tackle temptations
Our Catholic culture has long been associated with giving up comfort foods like chocolate and libations. But the 40 days of Lent is such a holy and sacred time that the demons are working overtime to tempt you with more serious sin than that! You know what you are tempted by, and getting serious about tackling those temptations is a valuable pursuit for the season.
Sometimes the temptations are little things and other times they may seem insurmountable. For me, the Holy Spirit revealed that humility is something that I needed to work on. One of the ways I am tackling my desires to receive accolades for the work I do is to spend time in adoration and pray the Sacred Heart prayer when I receive Communion: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like your heart.” Of course, a daily “Our Father” can stave off temptations too!
Slaying savage beasts
The Gospel passage from Mark refers to Jesus being among wild beasts. Images of the desert evoke animals like serpents, lions and vultures. In our lives, we encounter people who slither into our lives to tempt us to do evil.
Others we encounter pounce like a wild cat to kill our faith, and vultures circle to pick at our hearts. That’s why we need to align ourselves with other faithful members in our parish, in ministry or through spiritual direction to slay these wild beasts.
Angels along the way
For me, the saints are “angels” we can call upon to minister to us when we need help. I have found that no matter how I am challenged, praying for the intercession of the patron saint for that particular struggle brings me peace.
For so many, the pandemic has fueled feelings of stress, depression and other mental disorders. If you or someone you love is struggling with this challenge, pray for the intercession of St. Dymphna daily during Lent. If your challenge is something else, Google “patron saint for ______” fill in the blank and pray for their intercession with your challenge.
In our Catholic tradition we are called to pray, fast and give. So, pray daily, fast from things that separate you from Christ and give time and or money to serve the poor.
Wishing you a transformative Lent!
Sherry Hayes-Peirce is a Catholic digital communications consultant based in California.