March 1

First Sunday in Lent Lk 4/1-13

Patently this story is a theological discussion -- which does not mean that Jesus, a like us in all things save sin, was immune to temptations. Especially the temptations to power, pleasure, and fame which are described in today's story. It is in the nature of human nature, threatened as it is by the inevitability of death, to try to fight off death with power and pleasure and fame. It never works of course but the allure of these temporary escapes is attractive. They at least defer the thought of death or at least give the illusion of deferring it. During lent we are supposed to remind ourselves that we come from dust and we will eventually return, despite whatever power we may pole up, whatever pleasures we may enjoy, whatever fame we may acquire. Indeed we are destined for glory but only once we conquer our fears of death and overcome the phony escapes that so tempt us.

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Once there was a famous movie actress who was talented, personable and beautiful. She won the academy award once and was nominated for it several times. Moreover, both her talent and her beauty were durable. Everyone thought she could play leading roles till she was sixty at least. But on her fortieth birthday, she announced that she was retiring. She would make no more movies,give no more interviews, sign no more lucrative contracts. She wanted to spend her time with her husband and her children, settle down in one place far from both Hollywood and New York, do volunteer work, and spend a lot of time reading and praying. Everyone thought she was crazy. Wasn't she still a young woman? Couldn't she make many more films? Might she not be a good director or producer? Was it her family that made her retire? Nope, she said it was my idea, though my family likes it. Was she afraid to grow old? Nope, she was not. Didn't she have half her life left? Yep, that's why she was quitting now.People quickly forgot about her, almost as thought she had died already. That was just fine with her.