Homily for First Sunday in Lent

Chip and Dale walked into town for breakfast since it had snowed the night before and they wanted to get some fresh air. On the way into the restaurant, a young man in late twenties or early thirties approached and asked for a few dollars so he could get a sandwich and coffee for the day. Chip looked the man over who apparently was homeless. His sneakers have seen better days, but his winter jacket kept the man warm as did the knitted cap on his head. Along with a sparkle in his eye, he sported a four-day beard. Dale said, “Please join us for breakfast. We will also give you some money for a sandwich and coffee for later.” Chip smiled in agreement, and they entered the restaurant together. As they waited for breakfast to be served, Dale asked the young man, “What is your story? You don’t look like you have been on the street very long.”

With head bowed to avoid eye contact, the young man began. “My name is Frank. I’m new at this. My parents kicked me out last week because I came out to them – I’m gay.” Chip said, “We won’t judge you. You have a lot of issues to deal with right now. Dale and I will listen to you.” Breakfast was served and Frank relaxed and began his story. As they were finishing and getting ready to pay the bill and leave, Chip said, “Dale and I flip houses. We can use some extra help. Lately tools have been stolen during the night because no one is in the house. Here’s the deal. You can sleep in the house at night and do odd jobs during the day. We’ll give you some pocket money for food. If this works out after a month and you want, we’ll give you a job.” Frank said, “Good deal. I’ll earn your trust and do whatever it takes to have a steady job. Thank you!”  They took Frank to the house and showed him around. Dale went home to get a sleeping bag, pillow, and blanket. He also brought a charger for Frank’s smart phone. Apparently, Frank’s parents forgot to cut off service. This way Frank could still have use of the phone and listen to music and play games in his free time.

Later that evening, Chip and Dale were getting ready for Sunday Mass. They read the scripture lessons for the first Sunday of Lent. Without realizing it, they found that they were living these very scriptures.

A few days ago, many people participated in the annual ritual of being signed on the forehead with ashes initiating forty days of Lent. Living in the postmodern wasteland which clashes with secular culture and the search for God, many will not heed the call to repent, but merely look to the next holiday celebration of Easter (Spring). Others will use the next forty days to answer the call for repentance and conversion. Lent is time to continue the transformation into a deeper faith. The challenge to change is a constant struggle where courage is needed to turn from selfishness (sin) to a life of real freedom (grace).  Forty days and forty nights is just a beginning and will only be completed when one fully enters a life of loving charity for others.

Noah and his family were given forty days and forty nights in the great flood which washed away all that was evil and sinful before God. When all was ready, the Lord made a deal (a covenant) with Noah and his family. Never again would the Lord destroy all life with flood water. However, humankind must agree to live according to the Lord’s law. The Rainbow is a sign of the covenant, the deal between God and the community. Unfortunately, the deal was constantly broken. God so loved the world that new deals (covenants) were made. There is hope for success.

God gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in his son (Jesus) might not perish but might have eternal life. Jesus shows us the way to success. All we need to do is to follow him and do what He did. Lent, therefore, is another chance to begin over. During these forty days and forty nights, the challenge is to be with the Lord who was led by the Spirit into the desert where we will do battle with Satan while surrounded by wild beasts determined to dissuade us to accept failure.

You need to be aware of the presence of Satan in life. You must also realize that you are surrounded by wild animals, namely the illicit pleasures found in sex and drugs as well as power to oppress and repress others, and materialism that obscures your spirit. These are always ready to attack you. Finally, if you are serious about your resolution, then expect to be ministered to by the angels just as the Lord was. You make a big mistake if you think that you are too good to be tempted or too holy, even too old, to be tempted by the devil. At the end of this trial, you will understand what Jesus said, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.”

          Chip and Dale realized that they were growing in their life with Christ and in Christ. They made a deal (covenant) with Frank (offering not only a job but also understanding and friendship) just as the Lord makes a covenant to be with us and in us through the Eucharist. They also knew that Frank was surrounded by evil attractions (wild beasts) that turn us away from God and all that is holy. So, they, as angels, reached out to protect Frank with kindness and encouragement.

There is so much you can do for yourself and others during these forty days of Lent. Repent, turn to Jesus seeking the help and grace to truly live Jesus and be Jesus to others who turn to you for help and love. Is there a ‘Frank’ in your life to whom you can be Jesus offering a new deal (covenant) with your protection of loving understanding and kindness?

God be blessed! Now and forever. Amen.