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The season of Lent begins with this reading from Mark’s Gospel in the Bible :At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.At his baptism Jesus realised how much he was loved by God his Father and his identity as God’s beloved Son was affirmed. This was an amazing, joyful experience. But then, he immediately has 40 days of being tempted in the wilderness. This was a time of loneliness, struggle and even danger. One thing that can challenge our joy is when we go through difficult times.I wonder if you’ve ever been tempted to think that God sometimes wants bad things to happen to you?"You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." In the wilderness, Jesus had to battle with the temptation to deny this truth - the truth that he was dearly loved by God. We might also be tempted to doubt this truth when we go through wilderness times.Then somehow, somewhere in the wilderness help comes to Jesus. The Gospel tells us, there were angels in the wilderness. Rest comes. Relief comes. I wonder what Jesus’ angels looked like?Maybe a trickle of water for his parched throat? A rock to lay his head on? The swirl of stars on a clear, cloudless night?A cool breeze in the heat of the day?I wonder what your angels look like? What have they looked like in the past? Maybe it’s the friend who meets you for coffee, and you actually have a good laugh together. Or someone bringing a meal, or flowers. A doctor giving the right medication and support. A partner or friend taking you out for the day. Or a beautiful walk by the beach or in the woods.It’s in those things we find the seeds of joy, a reminder that we too are loved by God.Over Lent ( 40 days before Easter) take time to give thanks for your ‘angels’. Prayer : Loving God, we bring before you those we know who are going through wilderness times. Surround them by your goodness, mercy and love. Keep them from running into danger. Strengthen them with the joy of the Lord. Amen. Revd Carol Bates
