February 18, 2018 Sunday of the 1st Week in Lent-B

Genesis 9:8-15

Psalm 25

1 Peter 3:18-22

Mark 1:12-15

Christ suffered for sins…that he might lead you to God.  1 Pt. 3:18

Lord, you went into the desert, fasted for 40 days, and prayed to your Father.  You weren’t alone, Satan followed you there.  Knowing who you were and what you would do, he gave it his best shot to lure you off track and to destroy your mission of redemption.   He made evil look attractive and appealed to your hunger.   You beat the devil and came out of the desert to build your kingdom.  Lord, I am entering the desert of Lent.  I am not going there alone either.  Temptation will follow.   But so will your Spirit.  You call me to pray, fast from whatever separates me from you and to acts of charity.  The world, my weak human nature and Satan himself will try to get me off track too.  I pray to share in your triumph in the desert.  The graces of the sacraments will strengthen me and bring me closer to you.  I may slip at times but you are always ready to offer forgiveness and encouragement.   For that I thank you, dear Jesus.  Amen