Sunday was the first Sunday of the Lenten season. The 40 days that Jesus spent praying and preparing in the wilderness is reflected in the season of Lent that lasts 40 days from Ash Wednesday until the day before Easter Sunday (not counting Sundays in the season). The wilderness, or desert, is used repeatedly throughout the Bible as a place of special encounter with God and preparation for a new direction or a new ministry. The temptation faced by Jesus is a clear indicator of his humanity – Jesus experienced doubt, uncertainty and fear just as we do.

It has been traditional that during the time of Lent Christian people renew their efforts in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. All three of these practices are actions of preparation. Just as Jesus prepared for his ministry in the wilderness, so too is Lent an opportunity for us to be deliberate about our reflection on what we are called to do in this world.