Jesus is tempted in today’s gospel no doubt about that. His resistance in turning away from the Satan’s lures was a struggle for Him. As long as we live, temptation will be a struggle for us as well. Temptation is part of the human condition and original sin. Getting in touch with and being honest about our personal sins and temptations is necessary to overcome them. The word Lent, has a German origin. The German origin of the word Lent translate into a meaning of shorter days growing longer with more light. We can all see that 5 pm no longer is dark, but it’s now dark around 6 pm and growing longer. This will only increase as summer arrives. Jesus is that increasing light in our lives to help us see the light and overcome the darkness. However, we must truthfully admit, acknowledge, and seek His forgiveness in order to be strong and to overcome. The more we are able to admit our temptations and sins, the stronger we become. The sacrament of Reconciliation deflates our temptations by exposing sin and receiving forgiveness from our Lord Jesus Christ. According to St. John’s gospel, Satan is the “Father of Lies!” “You belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered weekly before the 4pm Mass on Saturday, by appointment, and will be available at the diocesan-wide Evening of Reconciliation on March 4th from 5 pm to 8 pm. Let’s listen to our former Holy Father Pope Francis. “Around us there is the presence of evil. The devil is at work. But in a loud voice I say, God is stronger.” Fr. Roach
