The first Sunday in Lent always features the temptation story of Jesus. As Jan Richardson poignantly writes "with the water of his baptism still clinging to him and the name Beloved still ringing in his ears, Jesus went into the desert."
The temptation story is found in three of the four gospels (John and his ethereal focused book does not include it) so one should most definitely pay attention. The story is familiar, Jesus is tempted by provision, power and protection. We can relate to similar temptations. The point being we are tempted by that which is appealing and desirous. For example, I'm tempted by a bowl of Kit Kats not a blender of a kale smoothie.
As Jesus begins his journey to learn what it means to be Jesus he remains true to who he is and the story concludes with the phrase "angels came and waited on him."
Let's focus on what and whom we mean by angels. There was a time when the chubby, cherubic ceramic angels were all the rage. I personally received quite a few in various portraits from holding a star to holding a lamb to gathering flowers. Cute. Yet, for this ministry I need more a band of hard ass, street-smart, weathered and worn angels.
I believe that often those angels who minister to us, care for us are the fellow travelers whom we meet and receive gifts and active compassion. In many ways these are the "angels unaware" who visit us when we are most in need of a caring presence, a wise word, a strong hand. Ponder....why couldn't a traveler have approached Jesus and given him a drink of water, food, noticed him, listened to him, tended to him.
As you journey this Lent, may tough angels wait on you and attend to your needs. Quoting again Jan Richardson may you be sent "tough angels, sweet wine, strong bread.....just enough."
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