Reflection by Deacon Matt

Reflection for First Sunday of Lent: 

Deut 26:4-10: Here we have Moses instructing the people how to approach God, with sacrifices of first-fruits from their crops. The purpose of the sacrifice is for each family to personally thank God for bringing that family and the Jewish nation back to their own land, from captivity in Egypt. Via these family sacrifices, God is being collectively thanked for His compassionate mercy and super-powerful response in facilitating the Exodus. As the grateful people recall the “signs and wonders” that occurred during the Exodus, they are filled with “holy fear,” or reverence and awe-struck gratitude to God. Contemplating this, let’s take time this week to thank God for the many times that God has delivered us from distressing situations and circumstances. As Lent approaches, it’s appropriate for us to get in a mindset of humble gratitude to our God.

Psalm 91: “Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.” After reflecting how faithfully and effectively God took care of His people during the Exodus, we now join this psalmist in petitioning our God to be present with us during the challenging times in our lives. We’re urged to have confidence in God and to trust in God’s angelic protection over us. We can rest assured that our God is all-powerful and omnipotent; perfectly able to conquer whatever threats that present themselves to us. 

Notice that in the final verse of the psalm, the psalmist, in God’s voice, promises to be attentive to any and all of our petitions. With consoling assurance, our God promises not only to deliver us from evil and distress, but to glorify us! Now, take time to reflect how completely God’s promises of deliverance and glorification of us have been fulfilled in our Savior, Jesus Christ! It’s ponderous, isn’t it?

Romans 10:8-13: Let’s continue our focus on God’s comforting Presence, which is with us, always! Today, St. Paul reminds us of God’s “ever-Presence” with his proclamation that “the word (of faith) is near us… in our mouths and in our hearts.” Like our Heavenly mother, Mary, we’re all of us called to “reflect on the Word and ponder Him in our hearts.” As the Word of faith is also in our mouths, we’re being further encouraged to share the Word with others. Yes, we’re all called to evangelize others and to help build the Kingdom of God, among us! Our call to evangelize and share the faith is a privilege, not a chore! Remember that we must confess and believe… verbally attest that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and believe it, in our hearts! Thus, we are saved! Let’s continue to reflect on our confident belief in God and savor the serenity which fills and surrounds us.

Luke 4:1-13:  As we’ve been reflecting, our God is always available and present to us in all of our afflictions. One of life’s most prevalent afflictions is temptation. Once again, God doesn’t leave us alone and defenseless. We have guardian angels for a reason… to help us in times of temptation. We also can pray to our Lord to send the Holy Spirit upon us when we’re tempted. We can pray to be filled with all of the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and our Lord surely won’t deny our requests. Look up the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit and reflect upon them. Pondering them will give you strength. Then, confidently accept the Gifts and Fruits. Thus, we can have confidence. Trust in the Lord and believe in Him! 

Trust in God! 
Deacon Matt