What's really at stake in Lent (Sunday homily)

Every year, on the first Sunday of Lent, 
we always hear about the Lord going into the desert to fast and pray--
and be tempted by the devil.

Let’s talk about a fact of life: each one of us is tempted.
I don’t just mean to eat another cookie or have another drink, 
although that is part of it.

In the Gospel, it doesn’t say for 40 days Jesus gave up chocolate; 
it says “he ate nothing.”

So may I suggest that temptation--and the conversion we seek--
is about more weighty matters.

I am reading a book by Father Aiden Nichols, 
and he makes the point this way: 
the three temptations of our Lord are, first, about materialism: 
It’s all about bread and stuff;
Second, about power: if only I were in charge of everything!
And above all, about trusting God--or not.

We all saw this on display this week, 
when the holy father stunned us by announcing 
he will step down later this month.

Notice the reactions:
Some, especially in the media, started saying--
as they did the last time--
oh, maybe the new pope will change everything 
the way we think the Church ought to be!

All they are thinking about is power--totally missing the point!
Then you have good-hearted folks who became very fearful--
is this some sort of sign of the end of the world?

Meanwhile, at the center of all the storm is Pope Benedict: 
completely at peace. 
He said: “I am strengthened and reassured 
by the certainty that the Church is Christ’s, 
who will never leave her without his guidance and care.”

The reason we give up things for Lent; 
the reason we change our routine for Lent; 
the reason it is good to give ourselves extended time of quiet--
it’s why a retreat is so important--if you can’t do it for a week, 
how about a weekend of silence? Or just a day?

The reason we do these things is to confront these deeper temptations.
Because the fundamental choice involved in every sin we commit is: 
Is Jesus the Lord; or am I my own god?

When we get fearful or worried or angry, 
isn’t it, at bottom, a refusal to trust God?

If I trust God, why worry?
If I really trust God, why be afraid?
If I let God be in charge, then I can let him be angry.

On this first Sunday of Lent, we might ask ourselves:
How far into the desert do I want to go this Lent?