Once again, the Lenten season is upon us, a springtime period for the soul, a time to be spiritually reformed. We are invited to enter into a conversion process and seek clarity in our faith journey.

Today's Gospel shows Jesus in a similar situation. He is returning from his baptism at the Jordan and preparing for his ministry. Doubts flood his being as he is sorely tested. The devil plays on Jesus' titles: miracle worker, political hero, leader. The devil tempts Jesus by offering pleasure, power, and prestige.

What is Jesus' response? First, He seeks strength and clarity from the God who formed and called him and He is able to resist. Then Jesus responds directly three separate times using words of Scripture.

The temptations are very human. Don't we all have hungers and desire pleasure? Don't we occasionally worship and serve others than God? Don't we want to show off our power occasionally? These temptations may also describe perennial ethical challenges we face: to try to be successful rather than faithful, to make compromises where one is called to stand firm, and to avoid the path of sacrifice and suffering.

Temptation and struggle are part of life. Jesus offers us a positive example of resistance to temptation and of victory over it. Jesus proclaims that He serves God alone and relies on the Word of God to guide and strengthen him. Jesus is clear about who he is and knows that He does not need to perform signs on demand.

In this initial struggle with these powers in the wilderness, Jesus begins to shape his identity and mission in absolute obedience to God. He begins his ministry by saying no to the powers and priorities that drive the world and lead to death.

As we begin this Lent, may we be faithful to the call and purpose of God in our lives. We will be tempted too, but while the Spirit leads us, Jesus accompanies us. We have this period of Lent to enter into the wilderness and find out what life is like when Jesus accompanies us. We have this period of Lent to find out what we are made of in the face of our temptations. We have this period of Lent to keep embracing life and living it to the full.

May we walk with Jesus as our strength this Lent.

Mary Ann Collins, OP