In today’s Gospel, we hear, “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days, where he was tempted by the devil” (Luke 4:1-2).
This powerful moment in Christ’s life mirrors our own Lenten journey — a period of testing, purification and spiritual renewal.
Reflecting on the Gospel, one of the great temptations Jesus faced stands out — hunger.
A personal story comes to mind: a friend once told me that a symptom of being diabetic is becoming easily agitated, annoyed, or even angry when hungry.
Now, I’m not sure how true that is, but my priest friend certainly believes it — especially after our experience in Indianapolis last year during the National Eucharistic Congress.
After a long day of sessions, we assumed restaurants would still be open past 6pm. To our dismay, every single one had already closed.
Left with no other choice, we settled for a few biscuits to get us through the night. My friend turned to me, laughing, and said, “Now I know — never let Fr Novie go hungry, or it’ll be absolute chaos!”
In today’s Gospel, two significant themes emerge: the number 40 and the desert.
The number 40 holds profound meaning in Scripture, symbolising preparation and transformation.
The Israelites wandered for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land. Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments.
Elijah journeyed for 40 days to seek God’s presence. Now, Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness, resisting temptation and preparing for His mission.
The desert, too, holds great significance. It is not merely a place of hardship, but also growth and trust in God.
Many biblical figures faced trials there, but also found renewal. The devil tempts Jesus with power, comfort, and self-reliance, yet He remains firm, demonstrating that true strength comes from God’s word.
A bishop once reflected on Ash Wednesday that there is little value in abstaining from meat if one replaces it with a lavish lobster dinner or in giving up coffee for Lent only to substitute it with expensive wine or whiskey.
The intention behind our sacrifices matters more than the action itself.
Lent calls us into our own “desert’’, a time to step away from distractions and rely on God’s grace. But it is not only about personal renewal — it is also about mission.
That is why, as a Catholic Church, we launch Project Compassion today.
This initiative reminds us to help those in need not just with words, but with concrete action. It embodies the call to conversion and mission, making our faith tangible through acts of charity and love.
As we journey through Lent, let us ask ourselves: Where is God calling us to change? What temptations must we overcome?
How can we make a difference?
Lent is not just a season — it is an opportunity for true transformation in Christ, preparing us not only for Easter, but for a renewed life of faith and service.
— Fr Novie Lim (Parish Priest, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Echuca)
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