First Sunday of Lent

Today's Readings

If you see a commercial for SUBWAY, what do you think?   EAT FRESH

We are beginning a new season of the Church Year, Lent. Maybe we've had so many Lents that it becomes routine. So instead of "Eat Fresh", 

think-  BE FRESH

Take a fresh look at Lent.

We are in Year "A" and the Sunday readings are very powerful. This Sunday, we have the Temptations of Jesus. Jesus goes to the desert to battle with demons. He is tempted with the demons of pride, power and trust in God. Jesus overcomes those temptations and wins. For us, temptation is a part of all our lives. What are our temptations? Maybe the lure of riches, judging others by looking down at them, not admitting that we need God in our lives. 

The Church wisely gives us Lent with ways of fighting temptations. Lent is called, THE TURNING- turning to God and others. First way is prayer, What is our personal prayer life like? Open our hearts to talk to God as a friend with our joys and sorrows? Reflect on the Sunday readings. Go to confession. Go to weekday Mass once a week.  Participate in the Diocesan Lenten Pilgrimage. There is a different church in Brooklyn and Queens that will have Mass and Eucharistic Adoration as part of our National Eucharistic Revival.  Go to https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/lentenpilgrimage/

Another way is to fast- not only from our favorite food but gossiping, negativity, too much social media. 

Finally acts of charity. Do something positive for Lent. Create Holy Moments- times when we do something that's not what is best for me, but for the other person. Examples can be simple- moving the lawn of an elderly neighbor, paying for the person behind me, saying "I'm sorry.", helping in a soup kitchen.

This Lent can we BE FRESH in our lives?

Rev. Michael G. Tedone
Parochial Vicar, St. Bernard, Brooklyn
Chaplain, Kingsborough Community College