PRIEST: We have begun our journey of these 40 days of Lent – like Jesus we enter into the desert to face the demons of our own hearts – demons of selfishness and of comfort, of greed and exploitation. Having overcome them, like Noah overcame the flood-tide of evil, Jesus shares the Good News of the New Life that is possible for all who repent and change. That is why Lent is Good News – the time has come for us to change and become more alive!… and more life-giving! Let us make this lent truly a Springtime of new growth, new beginnings, recreation in the midst of a world devastated by Covid and Climate Change.
READER: Jesus remains in the wilderness,
to confront the demons of the world’s sin …
so often we are afraid to enter the wilderness of our hearts
and confront honestly what we find within us
LORD HAVE MERCY …
Jesus welcomed the touch of God ministered by the angels
… too often our closed minds and hearts fail to welcome
the comforting and healing angels that God sends to us
CHRIST HAVE MERCY …
Jesus leaves the wilderness to proclaim Gospel repentance …
we can be afraid of change in ourselves, and even more afraid
of challenging our society to change its injustice and poverty
LORD HAVE MERCY …
PRIEST: May the God who calls us to the desert of his love
embrace us with mercy;
may the Redeemer who walks our path of temptation
forgive us and heal our sin;
may the Spirit change our hearts and give us the joy of repentance;
and bring us and all the world to everlasting life
AMEN!