As we begin the holy season of Lent be attentive to the Word of God.

Proverbs 1: 10-11 My son, should sinners entice you, do not go if they say, “Come along with us! Let us lie in wait for blood, unprovoked, let us trap the innocent.”

James 1:13 No one experiencing temptation should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God is not subject to temptation to evil, and he himself tempts no one.

Sirach 15:16 He has set before you fire and water to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.

Jesus’ victory over temptation gives us an insight into human freedom. Each time that Jesus rebukes the devil he affirms our human freedom. There is a very strong movement in our culture toward atheism, nihilism, rationalism and materialism, and away from the true Christian faith that is the foundation of our human freedom. It is true that Lent is about sacrifice and turning away from sin. At a deeper level it is about the freedom to encounter the living God.

Make time for prayer! Make time for silence! Come away by yourselves and rest a while. True refreshment comes from nourishing the soul and finding the true foundation of our humanity. If I know where I am standing then I can face any difficulty. If I do not know my foundation then any difficulty will be terrifying and send me seeking the comfort that the world provides.