Category: Uncategorized

The Church is widely known for making distinctions. For example, there’s a difference between an angel and an archangel, good versus evil, a sinner versus a Saint, or a venial sin versus a mortal sin.

A venial sin might involve harboring a slight grudge in our heart towards someone who has hurt us; a mortal sin would involve intentionally acting on that anger – let’s say to the point of murder.

***

While we are most likely not guilty of any mortal sin, we can commit venial sins all the time. The temptation is to brush them off, as if they are really not that big of a deal. 

I’m angry at someone…. so what?

But the Gospel tells us that that grudge IS a big deal, because no sin is permissible in heaven. “Whoever is angry with his brother,” Jesus says, “will be liable to judgment” (Mt. 5:22).

***

Given we are in the season of Lent, now is the perfect time for us to do a spring cleaning, examining our conscience to see where we may have failed to love – or where we can love others better.

For example, do I judge others? Do I gossip? Do I harbor anger or a grudge? 

Even if we don’t act on these feelings, Jesus still wants to remove them from our hearts, especially through the sacrament of confession, because we cannot enter the kingdom of God with our hearts weighed down by sin.

That is the challenge of discipleship: to forgive without limits; to love to a ridiculous level, just as Christ has loved us. 

***

What do we do when we hit rock bottom? 

***

We’re consumed by one of two emotions: hope or despair.

Any addict can tell you this. While some hit rock bottom and find sobriety, others give up. 

Rock bottom is perhaps the most difficult place to be in life, a place some of us may have been.

***

In our first reading, Queen Esther has hit rock bottom. 

Though she’s a Jew, she’s married to a foreign king who doesn’t know her true identity.

One day while in his court, she hears of a plan to exterminate the Jews, a theme that’s repeated itself throughout history.

If Esther reveals her true identity, if she admits to being a Jew, then she may be killed. But if she remains silent, then no one she loves will survive.

What is she to do? Is there any cause for hope or should she simply despair?

***

In her darkest hour, Esther turns to the Lord, saying, “Help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O LORD, my God.”

“Help me.”

***

By the end of the story, Esther pleads with the king and he relents; the Jews are saved.

***

In a sense, that’s what Lent is all about, turning to the Lord in our hour of need. 

Maybe we’re not at rock bottom, but a particular prayer has gone unanswered; our future seems unclear, or we’re struggling to hold onto our Lenten practices. 

Wherever we may be this Lent, the Lord invites us to trust him like Esther did, saying, “Help me, who have no one but you, O LORD, my God.”

Trust in him and he will act.

***

For today’s readings go to: www.usccb.org

***

It’s amazing to me how quickly technology changes. Even as late as college, I remember walking downtown to the local Blockbuster to rent the latest flick.

But nowadays people just use their smart tv’s. Some children haven’t known life without Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix.

***

Last year, one of the most popular television shows was the HBO special, Game of Thrones.

It was a twisted series involving numerous battles and betrayals as people risked their lives to be crowned ruler of the seven kingdoms.

Nearly 20 million people tuned in to watch the show’s final episode.

Since, some people – I’d call them “superfans” – have even made pilgrimages to the places where the show was filmed, including Iceland and Croatia.

I suppose being “on site” makes the show feel all the more real.

***

As captivating as that show may be, the real game of thrones takes place in today’s Gospel. 

This is no fantasy.

Two real beings are vying for power: It’s the kingdom of God versus the kingdom of darkness, Jesus versus Satan.

Place your bets and take your side, because the stakes cannot be any higher: the winner determines the course of human history. 

***

Just as “super-fans” visit the sites where “Game of Thrones” was filmed, so Christians visit the very mountain where Jesus was tempted by Satan.

I’ve been blessed to see it myself. 

Standing in the desert on that dusty red mountain draws you right into the action, reminding you that this battle between good and evil still takes place inside every human heart.

And ironically enough, the mountain itself is filled with temptations.

***

For example, upon arriving at the base, we must decide whether we will climb the mountain like Jesus did…

Or avoid the desert heat, pay a small fee, and ride the air-conditioned gondola to the top?

Most people take the gondola.

Temptation number one: taking the easy way out this Lent.

***

After coolly coasting to the summit, we’re faced with yet another temptation: to pray or not to pray.

Sitting here, I’m sure we’d all say we’d find a quiet place to pray; we’re standing on holy ground! 

But things change once you reach the top, because you’re surrounded by other pilgrims anxious to squeeze in a selfie. After all, the surrounding views are stunning.

Most pilgrims give in, turn their cell phones around, snap a pic and post it on Instagram with a hashtag like, #GameOfThrones…or #JesusWasHere.

Temptation number two: getting distracted, forgetting to pray this Lent.

***

Now heaven forbid we break a sweat. It’s hot up here! 

Before we get burned, then, we can ride that air-conditioned gondola right back down the mountain, where we’re faced with a final temptation…

To fast or not to fast.

Although Jesus fasted in this very spot for 40 days and 40 nights, he didn’t have a buffet -style restaurant appropriately called Temptation waiting for him at the bottom of the mountain.

But we do.

How can anyone resist endless amounts of lamb kabobs and hummus after such a long day spent in the sun? It’s time to celebrate.

Temptation number three: neglecting to fast this Lent.

***

Though we may not find ourselves in the Holy Land this Lent, we’ll still face our share of temptations. 

We must decide whether we will take the air-conditioned gondola up the mountain, so to speak, or climb the mountain with Jesus. 

Will we be disciplined, fasting like Jesus did, praying like Jesus did, being generous like Jesus was?

Or will the busyness of life take over, distracting us from real spiritual growth?

***

This is the true game of thrones – the battle between good and evil, a battle that’s unfolding inside our very own hearts. But only we can decide who will be crowned as king.

Over the next 40 days, our actions will speak for themselves, revealing who our master is.

Time to start climbing; the battle has begun.