Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble. — Psalm 91 (cf. 15b)

Mass Readings: Deuteronomy 26:4-10/Romans 10:8-13/Luke 4:1-13 

Not So Fast 

One of the difficulties I have with Lent is the idea of fasting. I manage — usually — to give up dessert or eating between meals. I even eat a bit less than normal at breakfast and lunch on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. But the idea of a complete fast, whether it’s for a day, weekend or week, is unthinkable to me. 

Yet, that’s the model Jesus gives us in today’s Gospel. For 40 days he stayed in the desert, eating nothing, and battling temptations from the devil (Lk 4:1-2). Every year the Lenten Scripture readings and our pastor encourage me to do likewise. Every year I refuse. Every year I go through Lent feeling as though I’ve not done enough. Perhaps one year I’ll connect the dots. 

Prayer: Jesus, may Your example truly shape the life I live.