Upon reading today’s Gospel, two lines caught my attention specifically.

The first is the line says: “He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.”

It is such a simple sentence on the surface but upon further reflection it becomes much more. It plainly identifies the fasting and sacrifice of forty nights. This gives the inspiration to continue our Lenten journey faithfully following the model of Christ. Additionally, this phrase reminds us of Christ’s experience in the human condition. He knows what it feels like to be hungry. He knows of the bliss that comes with joy and can identify with the pain of sadness. He’s been there. So the next time we think we are all alone in our suffering, may we look to Christ’s life on earth and take comfort that he truly does know what we’re going through. Also like him, may we look to the Father to receive the grace to withstand it.

The other line that stuck out to me was: “The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.”

It is so easy in today’s society to get caught up in the consumerism and worries of worldly life, and although perhaps not intentionally, these can become false gods which consume our minds and spirits. May we keep the Lord’s commandment in mind at all times as we strive to serve Him and Him alone with all of our heart.

May these two scriptures be a source of grace and meditation during this Lenten season.