First Sunday of Lent

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. Mark1:12-13

Do we wonder why, just after Jesus was Baptized, his being sent to the desert by the Spirit was for. Think for a moment of taking an exam, what do we usually do before the test? We prepare ourselves, we study, for some they cram for a final. For what point is this preparation? Is it just to get a good grade? Or is it far more than that! It is a preparation for life. Often times when we prepare for a test, or anything else, sometimes go without, sometimes we are tempted, where our well meaning friends or family try to drag you away from what you are preparing for. Or we come across moments of our own darkness, in the end to triumph.

Jesus had to undergo the test to prepare him for his mission, to bring us the message that the kingdom of God is at hand, to repent and believe in the gospel. He was there in the flesh, fulfilling God's plan.

Today dear Father, as I journey ever more closer to you, I pray for perserverance for the temptations that may cross my path. That I too, may come out of the desert renewed.