First Sunday of Lent February 29, 2004 Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13 Reflection: Today’s readings remind us that web are God’s daughters and sons, heirs of the community of God. Through Baptism we hear God call us “Beloved,” and we share intimacy with and through Jesus Christ. Even though we trust in this truth, we live in the desert of ordinary life. We don’t have to go to a real desert to know that there is something dry, life defying, and challenging in pain, violence, war, suffering, injustice, hunger, poverty, and any ‘ism.’ Our Lenten journey calls us to see the ways in which we have entered the worldly desert of temptations and to pay attention to the danger of losing touch with God, the source of life and happiness. Let us live in these Lenten days not in purple penitential denial but in the joyfulness of the intimate embrace of our Beloved God. Suggested Action: During your prayer today consider some of the following: Fast from judging others; feast on seeing the best in people. Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on God’s healing power Fast from words that destroy; feast on phrases that encourage. Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude. Fast from being negative; feast on being positive. Fast from worry; feast on trust. Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation. Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness. Fast from constant activity; feast on slowing down. Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others. Sr. Mindy Welding, IHM Brookhaven, Pennsylvania