On the first Sunday of Lent the readings and the gospel are all about temptation. It begins in the first reading with the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and it continues with the testing and temptation of Jesus as he echoes the plight of the people of Israel, who wandered in the desert for forty years. They relied on God to provide them with food and protection and ultimately lead them into the land that was promised to them. They had to trust that God would deliver these things in God’s own time and way.

Last week we entered into a new season in the Church calendar and, just as seasons of the year are marked by tell-tale signs (changes in foliage, weather ), so too are the seasons in the church marked by tell-tale signs. The season of Lent is marked by ashes, the colour purple and the cross. What do these things tell us about Lent? Lent is a time to look at our lives and try to get rid of things that keep us from God. Through prayer, fasting and good works we become closer and more focused on God. Talk with your child about the things that we can do to become closer to God…. it might be through prayer, through an act of good work or by giving something small to someone in more need.