We began our Lenten journey this past Wednesday by having ashes traced on our foreheads in the sign of the cross. This ritual gesture came with the words, "Repent and believe in the Gospel," or "Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return." Putting all of these symbols together, we can see that we are journeying with Jesus and sharing in His Cross knowing that, while we are unworthy to follow Him, He nevertheless continues to call us to Himself. 

In today's readings, we are reminded that we were formed lovingly by God from the dust and clay of the earth. God created us differently than the rest of the visible creation. We have the "breath of life" given to us which is the Holy Spirit letting us share in God's own divine life. Although we have received this great gift of God's life, we have rebelled against God's commands, choosing to believe the lies of the enemy who enslaves us rather than the truth of God who sets us free. 

Adam and Eve give into the devil's deception knowing full well that they were forsaking the promises and commands of the Lord God. In the Gospel, Jesus is also tempted by the devil in every way we have been and chooses to remain faithful to the Father. St. Paul writes to the Romans about this contrast: "For just as through the disobedience of one man the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous." Lent is a time of obedience to Christ, to reverse the effects of sin and death in our life and in the world around us by our faithfulness to God. 

Remember to check out all of the liturgies, confession times, and services for Lent on our parish website at stpatrickthompson.org/lent-2026. Make the most of this Lenten season through your fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Remember that it's not just about giving something up (fasting), taking something up (prayer), or giving to others (almsgiving) but about all three of these Lenten disciplines working in tandem to transform our hearts. These disciplines work together like a three-legged stool rather than stilts or a pogo-stick!

I am yours in Christ,

Fr. Scott Goodfellow