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Sunday, March 1, 2009, First Sunday of Lent
Genesis 9:8-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Psalm 25, Mark 1:12-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/030109.shtml
A TEST DRIVE
"The Spirit sent Him out toward the desert." —Mark 1:12
The Greek word translated as "sent" in Mark 1:12 is "ekballo," a word
which means to cast out or throw out. The word has a connotation of
violent compulsion; the same Greek word is used in John 2:15 to describe
Jesus' act of driving the sheep and oxen out of the temple area. It's not
easy to imagine the Holy Spirit driving Jesus into the desert to be
tested.
However, look at the interaction between Jesus and the Holy Spirit which
occurred just prior to this. The Holy Spirit had been sent from the Father
to descend on Jesus like a dove. The Father told Jesus that He was His
beloved, favored Son (Mk 1:11). Before the Spirit threw Jesus out into the
desert, He rested on Jesus and assured Him of the Father's special love.
If the Holy Spirit, Who is Lord (2 Cor 3:17-18), can drive Jesus into the
desert to battle Satan, He will certainly drive us into battle, for we are
disciples of Jesus. During the heat of the spiritual battles, temptations,
and testing of Lent, we must always remember that first the Holy Spirit is
poured out in our hearts so we will know God's love (Rm 5:5) and be
confirmed in it (2 Cor 1:21-22).
If Jesus goes into the Lenten desert, so do we. We follow in His steps (Lk
9:23) toward every test God has for us. "No test has been sent" to us that
hasn't come to Jesus or others (1 Cor 10:13). The Spirit "will not let
[us] be tested beyond [our] strength " (1 Cor 10:13). Therefore, "let us
follow the Spirit's lead" (Gal 5:25) and His drivings.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being tested for the sake of helping me (Heb
2:18). Holy Spirit, "ekballo" me wherever You will.
Promise: "Christ died for sins once for all, the just Man for the sake of
the unjust...that He might lead you to God." —1 Pt 3:18
Praise: Praise Jesus, obedient Son, alive in the Spirit, Who sent that
same Spirit to us!
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2008
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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