by Fr. John Martin Shimkus, O.S.B.

      As we begin the season of Lent the first image we are confronted with is Christ’s temptation in the desert.  And in this scene we come to realize that all of evil’s attractions – for pleasure, power, security - are based on deception, as if good things can be given by the evil one!

     So one aspect of our Lenten practices is to help us recognize the deceptions of evil in our lives and live more faithfully by the power that comes from God.  For example, fasting, that is, giving up some legitimate pleasure exposes the illusion that we cannot get by without that TV program, that extra cup of coffee or that glass of wine.  Likewise, dedicating a greater portion of our time to prayer helps us turn away from the false suggestion that time spent with God is wasted and could be put to better use.  And almsgiving calls us to reject the lie that our value as persons is measured by how much we have, rather than how much God loves us and wants us to share his gifts in the same generous spirit in which they were given.

     In his Rule, St. Benedict invites us to “wash away in this holy season the negligences of other times”.  Our usual habits, busyness or consumerism can cause us to neglect the presence and power of God in our lives which in turn leaves us spiritually vulnerable.  May the practices we adopt this Lent help us shake off the devil’s deceptions about where our life and our power come from.  May we be focused, with Jesus, on the Father who loves us and raises us to life!

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