Our society works on ‘rules for good people and punishment for bad things’. In suffering this is challenged.
In Isaiah, God says that he worked differently, persevering in faith in adversity.
In Luke the story about the bad Fig tree is challenged, but with caring and nurture, good is achieved.
Lent is a season of repentance and lament. Christians convince
themselves they are good people and of good moral perfection.
“Holiness”, is not about the absence of sin, but a significant heightened awareness of sin.
In the awareness of our frailty before God and of our sin; the more we experience God’s saving grace and the abundant generosity of God in our lives.
In this reading the Devil is personified and speaks clearly in Human language.
The temptations of Jesus talk
clearly about satisfying hunger, using power to influence, keeping safe
from harm.
May our practices in Lent give us wisdom and draw us closer to God and his/her creation and purposes.
