Lenten Reflections

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By Antony Abi Awad, Campus Ministry

The first reading and the Gospel offer us two contrasting responses to temptation. However, we should not stop at a surface-level reading of these texts. Otherwise, we might miss a great answer to our recurring Lenten question: What to do During Lent? The real temptation is not a matter of food or comfort, but instead, behind the questions of the serpent and the devil lies a question of identity.

"God knows well that the moment you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil." (Gen. 3:5) The man and woman, although created in the image of God, were not God or gods. Their existence depended on their relationship with God, for God is the source. They were created and called to be participants in the work of God. However, they chose to step away from God and make themselves the centers of their lives.

In the case of Jesus, we see the same theme repeated again. If we read the story without this background, we might find Jesus' answers somewhat out of touch with reality. The tempter would preface his questions with the expression, "if you were the Son of God..." The three temptations are invitations to be somebody else and to step away from Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

We should take these readings as an invitation to reconsider our essential Lenten question. Instead of looking for things to give up, we should look for what to take on. The answer comes from Paul, echoing through his writings, "[b]ut put on the Lord Jesus Christ.." (Rom. 13:14) While walking towards the Easter vigil, where you will witness someone, or you be baptized. Remember that you have or are taking on a new identity as a beloved child of God.