Dear Parishioners,

There are certain times in our lives when we need to go off and be alone to confront the shadows that dwell within us. A grieving person may need time alone to confront the pain of the loss and perhaps even a life that must be rearranged. People serious about spiritual life take retreat time to examine their spiritual growth. Someone contemplating a job change might spend hours alone searching out many possibilities. Although we humans are naturally social creatures, circumstances sometimes urge us to be alone. 

Jesus, in today's gospel, went out into the desert alone. Before he began his public ministry, he went off alone to think things through and confront what would dissuade him from his mission.

On Ash Wednesday, we began the season of Lent, which lasts 40 days; these 40 days are the same 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert. Forty days holds special meaning in the bible. Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights as he received the ten commandments on the tables of stone. The prophet Elijah fasted for the same length as he walked to Mount Horeb and received the strength he needed to defend God against false prophets. Jesus was driven into the desert to face a significant trial in his life and be able to acknowledge God’s power in his life. 

The church invites us to enter this Lent season with the same purpose that Jesus was driven into the desert. Therefore, we are encouraged to enter into this season of Lent as an opportunity to acknowledge God’s power within us more clearly.

The season of Lent is not just another time that is part of the liturgical year. It is a time to be taken seriously, as God always takes his mercy seriously, which he bestows upon us daily. We are invited to revise our lives and confront the temptations and sinfulness that keep us from righteous Christian living. The season of Lent offers us an opportunity to clean our eyes and ears to see and hear better by praying, fasting, and almsgiving.

In Jesus and Mary, sincerely,

Fr. David Arcila, Pastor