Last Monday, the world was shocked and saddened when Pope Benedict announced his resignation which will take effect at 8 in the evening of February 28. Although sad over his resignation, this sentiment can be a powerful instrument to set the tone of the Lenten season.
Lent is a period when we ought to be sad - for our sins, for our imperfections, for our mediocrity, while we look forward to the joy that Easter brings.
The gospel this Sunday gives us reasons for this sadness. We are surrounded by temptations and seemingly, there is no escape. The gospel begins with the narration of how Jesus was “led by the Spirit through the wilderness, being tempted there for forty days.” No one is exempt from temptations, even Jesus. This is why we must always be on guard for “the devil is on the prowl like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
We are sad because the devil tempts those who are weak, and Jesus was not spared. He was hungry. Then the devil tempted him. We are weak not only when we are physically deprived, but when we are morally undernourished. Our country is morally bankrupt because many are physically and spiritually hungry. Many of us fall prey to the devil.
We are sad because the devil tempts even those who are strong, and Jesus was not spared. The gospel narrates: “Then leading him to a height, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world” and tempted him. We are strong when we are entrusted with power. Physical attributes, money, politics – all these are sources of power. It is scary when people of great power are tempted and commit sins and crimes. The pope’s resignation is shocking and saddening, but on the other hand, his resignation is a powerful witness to humility and to his utmost concern for the welfare of the Church. To him, it is a way of heeding the words of Jesus “to worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.”
We are sad because even if we are strong enough to detect temptations and say no to them, the devil can set the stage where we can be lured and trapped. At the third temptation, the devil led Jesus “to Jerusalem and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple.” Passivity, indifference, apathy – all these allow the devil to rule our lives. Our propensity to stay within our comfort zones allows the devil to paint a picture of peace and contentment, at the expense of our souls. Unless we are vigilant, we shall always fall into the maneuverings of the devil.
Lastly, we are sad because, like pirates, the devil never dies – it only fades away. The gospel narrative says: “The devil left to return at the appointed time.”
The epistle of Peter warns all of us: “Keep sober and alert, because your enemy the devil is on the prowl like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Pt 5:8) Lent is the season that trains us for vigilance.
