.......and lead us not into temptation.First Sunday of Lent

The Gospel of today (Mark 1:12-15) is about the temptation of Jesus. In preparation to start his ministry, Jesus departed to the wilderness where he stayed for Forty days. He sought for aloofness from the world in order to make a solid preparation for the reason he came - the salvation of the world. His departure from the people presented him face to face with the devil, the very enemy of Humankind, that Jesus had to salvage. There and then, Satan approached the new man as he did the old (Gen 3:1-13).

Apostle Mark, who likes being succinct and direct, did not record the dialogue between Satan and Jesus. He only presented the contest as that between good and evil. And in this contest, good overcame evil; Jesus defeated Satan and began to proclaim the kingdom of God. Hence he declared: "The time has come; the Kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe the Good news". Does this ring a bell?

The lenten season, with the four sundays removed, comprises of Forty days. Begin your journey to the desert; arm yourself with FASTING, PRAYER and WORKS of Mercy. Get involved in the affairs of the church. You will conquer!