Reading
Luke 4:1-4
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”
Devotion
Today, in much of the Western Christian Church, Ash Wednesday is observed as the beginning of Lent. Many Eastern Churches begin the penitential season before the Feast of the Resurrection on Clean Monday. Lent is a time of preparation, self-examination, and intentional seeking of alignment with God. For some it is like an athletic training period for the spiritual marathon which is Holy Week. Or perhaps, at least for baseball fanatics like me, it's like spring training--getting spiritually in shape, mastering the basics, training the eyes and reflexes of the soul--for the grueling 162 game season.
This week's painting is James Tissot's Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness (Jésus tenté dans le désert). Created over a number of years, 1886-1894, this opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper lives in the Brooklyn Museum. Alas, it is not currently on display.
In this image after we see a scene in which Jesus encounters the devil. Jesus has fasted for forty days in the desert to prepare for his ministry. Satan urges him to end his hunger by turning stones into bread. Jesus refuses. In Luke’s telling, Jesus invokes a verse from the Book of Deuteronomy, proclaiming: “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”
How are you preparing yourself spiritually these days, dear reader? Prayer, almsgiving, acts of service, intentional scripture study, fasting--these are all the basics of the ascetic life. There are even apps that can help you! If you have a certain practice that you're doing this season, I would love to hear it. Please drop me a line at priestjere@stpaulslvn.org! May your training prepare you for the time of testing--do not be afraid! In the words of the immortal Ernie Banks, "Let's play two!"
Prayer
Merciful God,
On this Ash Wednesday, I come before You with a humble heart,
remembering that I am dust, and to dust I shall return.
Wash me clean from all that keeps me far from You,
and plant within me a spirit that longs for Your truth.
As I walk through this season of Lent,
teach me to let go of pride, fear, and selfishness,
and to embrace humility, compassion, and love.
Strengthen my faith so that I may grow in wisdom,
serve others with a willing heart,
and reflect Your light in all I do.
May each day draw me closer to Your presence,
and may my life bear fruit that honors You. Amen.