Lent 1 A + Inner freedom + 2.22.26
M. Campbell-Langdell All Santos, Oxnard (Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7; Ps. 32; Romans 5:12–19; Matthew 4:1–11) Welcome everyone. We are now in Lent! One of the things I find interesting about the Lenten season is the sense of boundaries that exists in it. We begin by seeing Jesus cross the boundaries of civilization and enter the wilderness, where he meets his limits. He also sets boundaries with the tempter. We put boundaries or limits on ourselves. For example, we may give up certain treats or obsessions. Or add new prayer times into our schedules, new disciplines. We set new boundaries in our lives and look for ways we may fast. Fast from that which separates us from God. This may include fasting from food, but it could be social media, caffeine, TV, the radio, or anything that distracts us and leaves us less centered. And these are all designed to remind us of our dependence on God. If we miss something, we notice that and we seek God instead. In today's reading from Gene...