The book of Genesis recounts a story familiar to most Christians: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden fall victims to the temptations of the "serpent." We know the story: enjoying life in Eden, the two had been told by God there was one restriction. They were not to eat the fruit of a particular tree in the garden, "the tree in the middle of the garden." At some point a "serpent" slyly challenges our first parents. They are told that God does not want them to eat of the fruit from that tree because it would enable them to open their eyes and they would be able to know "what is right and what is wrong." That would make them like gods! What a challenge put before them! We know the temptation was too much for Adam and Eve. They became the first humans to sin, to turn their backs on God's command.
Now all of this happened some 6000 years ago according to some biblical scholars. So a question we might put forward in light of our contemporary realities: what have we learned from all the writings, the studies, the inventions, the scientific teachings since that time ... all of them put together? Well, all we need to answer the question is this: look at te world and our lives today.
Some might not like hearing or reading these words: sins of so many different kinds abound throughout our world today: murders, stealing, character assassinations, wars, slavery, repression, so many different forms of abuse and on and on. The power of the "serpent" continues to infect humanity. We human beings are no different from Adam and Eve: we fall victim to the allurements that today's "serpents" put before us.
As we stand at the beginning of another Lent, what are we supposed to do? Give up in face of the "serpents" that tempt us each day? Toss in the towel that signals surrender to what leads us away from our Creator God? There is a reminder in today's gospel reading for us to consider.
Jesus, fresh from a 40 day retreat, is tempted by the "devil." These temptations are basic to each human being, the reality we call Original Sin. Jesus, the man, the human being, resisted the powers of the evil spirit that attempted to cause him to sin.
The season of Lent calls us to strengthen our relationship with Jesus. Just as our relationship with friends, as that friendship develops, build up a strength with that person that would help us remain loyal and faithful to that person. So, too, with Jesus Christ. Building a relationship with him through prayer and reflection, we help build strength to resist the temptations that come our way ... because we are aware of what Jesus endured for our salvation.
So, may your Lent be a time of strengthening your relationship with your God.
