etcetera:

from Father Al….

Lent always recalls Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–10). Reflecting on this, Henri Nouwen reframes the temptations Jesus faced as the desire to be relevant, spectacular, and powerful — reminding us that these are not vocations, but temptations; not steps toward virtue, but stumbling blocks into vice.

He offers three simple practices that can help reorient us:

• contemplative prayer

• confession

• study and reflection

So this Lent, I invite you to consider:

• five minutes of silent prayer each day

• bringing what you hide into the light with someone you trust each week

• reading something daily that stretches your heart and mind

Move slowly. Notice what draws you toward Jesus and His way.

And as you sit with God, remember: conviction, confession, and forgiveness are kindnesses.

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A Prayer

Merciful Father,

You met Your Son in the wilderness, and He overcame temptation with truth.

Please meet us in our wilderness.

Where we strive to be relevant, teach us the quiet joy of resting in Your love.

Where we long to impress, give us the courage to be humbly honest.

Where we grasp for control, grant us the wisdom to release and trust You.

Slow us down.

AMEN.