Lent is a significant season in the Church year, – a time for many Christians of solemnity and self-reflection, even self-denial, where often they look at their lives, confess their failings, repent and resolve to live a more godly life based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Lent lasts for 40 days, the same period of Jesus’s fasting and temptation in the wilderness. Lent takes us beyond the crucifixion of Jesus and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Traditionally it was a time of fasting from certain foods such as eggs, meat, fish and fats. Nowadays many people might give up a luxury food – such as chocolate or cream cakes. Some people may give up an activity such as using social media or drinking alcohol. Some church buildings are made to look more plain during Lent, with flowers and other decorations removed, and the Lord’s Table stripped of all adornment.

Our reading from Luke 4:1-13, presents the final preparation of Jesus before his ministry began. He had just been baptised, filled with the Holy Spirit, confirmed by God as his Son, if you remember (A voice came from heaven - You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.) Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, where for 40 days he was tempted by the Devil. The three temptations we read in the passage were the last temptations, and came when Jesus was probably at his lowest ebb, and his hungriest. Satan tries to sow the seed of doubt “If you are the Son of God, he says, turn these stones into bread” Jesus was perhaps tempted to argue, but temptation isn’t sin, But no, Jesus responded with scripture “It is written, ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’ ” Then Satan tries an appeal to ambition/pride/the desire for power - “You can rule all these kingdoms, just worship me and they are yours”. Jesus reminds Satan of the imperative “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” Finally Satan offers Jesus a short cut to fame “If you are the son of God throw yourself down, you won’t come to any harm, and everyone will be amazed.” Jesus responds with another scripture, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Verse 13, When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him - until an opportune time! And so Jesus begins his ministry, returning to Galilee in the power of the spirit……..

What will we do this Lent season? I’m sure we are aware that it’s perhaps not only a question of “giving up stuff.’ Although I’m not saying a time of denial is a bad thing. But perhaps it’s also a time of, doing more of the ‘Good Stuff’. Are we faithful in prayer? Are we reading the reading the scriptures daily? How’s our love life, are we loving our neighbours as ourselves? Perhaps we could try a daily time of stillness, maybe 5 - 10 minutes a day, just remembering God’s word in psalm 46 v 10 “Be still, and know that I AM God.” And just rest in His presence.

Lent is a special season, perhaps we should ask God what He want’s us to do, or not do!