THE LENTEN SEASON IS A TIME OF DESERT EXPERIENCE

 

Homily for the First Sunday of Lent, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Texts: Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13

The celebration of Ash Wednesday ushered us into the season of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving; a time of purification, repentance, and deeper dependence on God. Lent is a sacred season, a journey of forty days that mirrors Jesus’ time in the desert. Just as the biblical number forty symbolizes renewal and rebirth, the forty-day period of Lent is also a time of renewal and rebirth.

On the course of the five-week period of Lent, our Lenten journey will be taking us to different locations to encounter God and experience rebirth and renewal. On this first Sunday of Lent, our Lenten journey takes us to a desert. The desert is a paradoxical place - both barren and full of divine presence. The desert is a place of trial, purification, and transformation, where we encounter God in a profound way. It is a place where faith is tested, purified, and strengthened (Hosea 2:14-15, Galatians 1:17, Luke 4:1-13).

In the Gospel, we see Jesus led by the Spirit into the desert, where he fasted for forty days and was tempted by the devil. This mirrors Israel’s forty years in the wilderness, where they were tested in faith (Deut. 8:2). The desert represents the reality of human struggle, where we face temptations that challenge our faith and commitment to God.

Jesus faced three core temptations: Materialism - Turning stones into bread (temptation of the flesh). Power and Glory - Worshiping Satan for earthly kingdoms (temptation of ambition). Testing God - Throwing himself down from the temple (temptation of pride and presumption) Each of these temptations is still relevant today. We are tempted by comfort, wealth, power, and self-glory, yet Jesus teaches us to overcome them by relying on God’s Word: “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Luke 4:4).

The First Reading (Deuteronomy 26:4-10) recalls Israel’s journey through the desert after being freed from slavery. Though the wilderness was harsh, it was where God formed them into his covenant people. In the same way, Lent is a time for us to return to God and renew our relationship with him. Throughout Scripture, the desert is a place where people encountered God: Moses met God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-4). Elijah heard God’s voice in the gentle breeze (1 Kings 19:9-12). John the Baptist prepared the way in the wilderness (Matthew 3:1-3). Lent is our own personal desert experience - a call to step away from distractions, silence our hearts, and listen to God.

In the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 91:1-2, 10-15), we hear the reassuring words: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” This reminds us that even in our struggles with temptations, God is our refuge. Jesus, in the desert, showed complete dependence on the Father. Unlike the Israelites, who often grumbled in the wilderness, Jesus remained faithful. Our Lenten observances - fasting, prayer, and almsgiving - are meant to help us detach from worldly securities and rely more on God’s providence.

After his time in the wilderness, Jesus emerged in the power of the Spirit and began his public ministry (Luke 4:14). The desert was not just a place of struggle, but also of preparation. Likewise, Lent is not just about giving up things; it is about being renewed for our mission. By the end of these forty days, we should emerge stronger in faith, purified in heart, and ready to witness Christ.

Lastly, the season of Lent is our spiritual desert, where we confront our weaknesses, deepen our faith, and grow in holiness. Just as Jesus triumphed over temptation, we too are called to resist sin and grow closer to God. As we journey through this Lenten desert, let us: Pray more deeply - Seek intimacy with God in silence. Fast meaningfully - Detach from material distractions. Give generously - Show mercy to those in need. May this desert experience lead us to Easter joy, where we will emerge renewed, strengthened, and transformed by God’s grace.