First Sunday of Lent February 13, 2005 Scripture: Genesis 2:7-9; Romans 5: 12-19; Matthew 4: 1-11 Reflection: One of the challenges of everyday living for people of all ages is the struggle between good and evil. Our days are filled with occasions of all kinds of temptations and decision making - sometimes good and other times, not so good. The struggle continues throughout our lifetime and never ends until we meet our God. During the recent Christmas holidays, I experienced great joy spending time with my cousins and their children, ages two to fifteen. It was interesting watching them make choices and sometimes they “messed up.” After parental admonition, according to the gravity of the ‘mess-up’ and sometimes tears, they would be again forgiven, the deed forgotten, and life went back to normal - until the next decision. Little people are not the only ones who are tempted to “mess-up”; we elders do the same. How do we react to our decisions? Do they depress us, or are we hopeful that God will again forgive us and give us another chance? Each decision we make is part of our growth process. We need to remember that God is always there for us, willing to forgive us, encourage us and support us on life’s journey. Suggested Action: Take time today to ponder the words of the Our Father: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Sr. Eva Marie Zlotucha, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania