In two weeks we will begin the Lenten season. On the 1st Sunday of Lent we will be instructed on Jesus going into the desert in order to fast and pray. While there he came to be tempted by the assaults of the devil. Nevertheless, Christ resisted his pursuits and held fast solid in faith rebuking each of his lies with the truth of Sacred Scripture.
As we came to be instructed in our Epistle, “a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.” Each of us should be able to relate to what was being saint by Saint Paul. We are in the midst of such spiritual assaults and none of us are free from such temptations.
As Saint Augustine stated, “Your first task is to be dissatisfied with yourself, fight sin, and transform yourself into something better. Your second task is to put up with the trials and temptations of this world that will be brought on by the change in your life and to persevere to the very end in the midst of these things.”
Such perseverance can only be brought about if we understand and believe the next words which were spoken by Saint Paul. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power in made perfect in weakness.” Through such a statement of faith we place our trust in God and His infinite mercy which is being poured out onto us.
It is important that in the midst of such temptation and worse yet falling to the assaults of the devil that we do not give into despair. The saints were very real just like you and me. Nevertheless, they also knew temptation and sin, they were in need of the grace and mercy that has been poured out upon them by God, and yet they are now in Heaven.
This glimpse into the saints of Heaven should bring us joy for they show us the way that we must take in order for us to endure as they have endured. They teach us that our lives, despite the trials of this life, can be lived for God. They show us that there is something greater to the here and now instead of just living in the moment.
Our Gospel gave us the parable of the sower which spoke of such a perspective. Here those who “fell away among thorns are they who have heard and, going their way, are chocked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and yield no fruit.” So too so many allow themselves to get caught up in such worldliness and thus forget about Heaven and fall prey to the temptations that are thrown our way.
May this coming season of Lent be fruitful for us to regain our sight in order that we may see more clearly. This season prepares us for Easter and the Good News of the Lord’s Resurrection that brings forth hope that no matter the sin or temptation we can indeed endure for God’s grace is sufficient. May all the angels and saints of Heaven, pray for us.
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