March 1, 2009: 1st Sunday of Lent

"When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living being.”

God told Noah, “I set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living being.” (Genesis 9:13-15)

As we begin the season of Lent, we are reminded that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert before he began his public ministry. And we are promised in the short passage from the Book of Genesis that God will be with us always, as proven through a rainbow that appears after a spring or summer thunderstorm. Just as surely as we know the storm has ended when the sun reappears through the clouds creating a beautiful rainbow, so we have in Jesus the assurance of God’s everlasting presence and love. Jesus ended his 40 days in the desert by proclaiming the good news. He went about healing with compassion, teaching the truth, overcoming evil spirits and forgiving sins. His ministry was proof of God’s care and love.

Action:

Accepting Jesus involves living as he lived by allowing him to work through us, his disciples. Have you chosen something to do this Lent that will make you a better Christian? If not, ask Jesus to help you know what it is he wants you to do as his faithful disciple this Lent. Then ask for the courage to persevere.