24 Hours Later...

Luke 4:1-13

I find it a little amusing that the lectionary would give us the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness the very first week of Lent. I find it amusing because an integral part of Lent is the practice of giving something up. People who participate in this aspect of Lent normally give up things like chocolate, meat, alcohol, and the like. Other people decide that instead of giving something up they'll take something on. In these cases we'll hear about increased devotional time, reconnecting with nature, doing community service, and other such things. Either way, what is given up or taken on is usually something that they would like to improve on to make their relationships with themselves, others, and God better.

Of course, whatever one decides to give up or take they must sustain such for 47 days. Having been, and being, one of those who participate in this practice I can tell you first-hand it is not easy, not at all.

 For instance, each year for the last few years I've given up rice. As an island dweller, deeply entrenched in the cultures which brought rice as a food staple in the mid-late 1800's, it is not an easy thing to give up. The decision to give up a lifestyle almost 200 years in the making was one of the most difficult things I have done. Of course, as an overweight diabetic I also know that if I can give up such a lifestyle maybe I will begin to live a healthier life, so the decision to eliminate rice from my diet is made a little easier.

The first week usually goes okay. I eat foods which don't require rice (yes there are foods which require rice - stews, anything with any type of gravy, chili, shoyu-based meats, etc.), but as the second week rolls around I begin to yearn for those foods and in turn yearn for rice. That's when the battle begins and halfway through the third week I sense my resolve growing weaker.

I reach out to friends and colleagues to talk about my battle. I pray harder for the strength and courage to get through Lent without breaking my promise. Before I know it Palm Sunday is here and I realize I only have one week to go. The strength is renewed, the courage returns until Easter morning when I feel a sense of immense relief that I can finally eat rice - and so I do.

In truth, the temptations to give up the fight and just give in to eating rice got strong, very strong. If not for those around me and my faith I don't think I would've made it through those 47 days. This, I suspect, is the reason the lectionary gives us this passage so early in the Lenten season. It's meant as a reminder that the days ahead will not be easy, but if we put our trust in God and in those around us we'll get through them just fine and come out the other end stronger and closer in our relationships.