Please read the passage above before the commentary.
Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit. I have this picture of the Holy Spirt as a Scoutmaster leading Jesus into the desert as on a hike or camping trip. I have another picture of Jesus hitchhiking and being picked up by the Holy Spirit and driven into the desert. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and willingly seeks out the desert. Jesus was not forced to go into the desert; goes of his own free choice.
We have entered Lent. We could feel forced into it, but we can also have entered Lent willingly, filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the same Spirit.
The goal of Lent for unbaptized people is baptism at the Easter Vigil. The goal for us baptized people is the renewal celebration of our baptism at the Easter Vigil. The goal of our Lent is the fulness of the Holy Spirit and a deepening of our relationship with God. We are led and guided by the Holy Spirit; we have entered Lent willingly so that we achieve the goal.
Many people give up things during Lent. They want to change some of their behavior. We all find it hard to change long-standing behavior. Usually, we eventually grow tired of the change required by our Lenten resolution and take our frustration and tiredness out on others. When this happens, it is better to give up giving up and practice active loving the people whom we would end up mistreating. Jesus likewise faced hunger during his first Lent.
Jesus met the devil during his stay in the desert. This name for the devil means double-talk. The words seem to say one thing, but they mean something entirely different. Jesus, the truth talker met Satan the double-talk in the desert and truth beat down the lie.
In our desert of Lent, we shall also meet double-talk and we must adhere to the truth. I hope we have entered Lent willingly. The Holy Spirit, our Scoutmaster and driver, is leading us out into the desert. The Holy Spirit will be our guide and driver this Lent.
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