John the Baptist promises that Jesus will baptize in the HOLY SPIRIT (Mark 1:8). At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him (v. 10). The Gospel reading fro the First Sunday of Lent retells the story of the same Holy Spirit drives Jesus into the desert, the barren wilderness around the Dead Sea (v. 12). There is no murmurring or opposing or wondering why such should be the case.
Real encounters with the Living God are genuinely divine gifts meant to drive us into the heart of ordinary living, not escapes from it.
Unmistakenly reminiscent of Israel’s having been tested in the desert of their exodus, Jesus remains there for forty days. In contrast to the trials of the People of God, however, Jesus perseveres as an obedient Son whose fidelity throughout his desert trials is witnessed.
Jesus’ life is presented as a conflict between the one anointedy by the Holy Spirit and his adversary, Satan, the evil and unclean spirit. “Satan” means “adversary” or “obstacle” and is synonymous with the devil who relentlessly will oppose Jesus. With the arrival of Jesus, it now is the long-awaited time (kairos) of fulfillment. The establishment of God Kingdom trumpets the ending of the ungodly kingdom.
LENT is the special time of grace for us to turn toward God in imitation of our Lord Jesus. God reigns supremely, but do we wish to be a part of His Kingdom? Throughout these forty days let us dare keep this question before us.
