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I see the three temptations as the primal and universal temptations that all humans must face before they dare take on any kind of power—as Jesus is about to do.
The message of the Gospel today, like the message of Lent itself, is twofold: “Repent and believe the good news.” We are called to do both.
Isaiah tries to describe what a just people and country would look like if they fasted from the right things.
We find it difficult to admit when we’re wrong, when we’ve sinned. And it seems the more we try to live good Christian lives, the harder it gets to acknowledge how often we fail.
If we take Lent seriously–here and now today–and pay greater attention to God and our neighbor then the Lord will pay greater attention to us.
Isaiah says explicitly that God prefers another kind of fasting which changes our actual lifestyle and not just punishes our body.
Religious practices can never become more important than the end to which they lead: love of God and love of neighbor.
From what have you chosen to abstain during this Lent? Create a practical plan for how to uphold your commitment so that you may gain greater spiritual freedom.
Repentance is not just a matter of engaging in penitential practices. What is pleasing to God is looking after your neighbor in need. That’s what real repentance is all about.
If our own goals, possessions, and even families and friends distract us from the Lord’s call, then we are not truly choosing life.
