The First Sunday of Lent Year C

The First Sunday of Lent

Luke 4.1-13

Gaze on Jesus in the wilderness. Gaze on the harsh monochrome of fear and confusion, on the hard bed of stones that brings no comfort. Imagine forty days without the scent of grass, his feet cut raw against the ragged paths, as he searches for water and is driven to lick dew from the rocks. He is counting the days by the size of the moon, dazed by the infinity of night, an indigo canvas pricked by silver stars that stretches for ever and never reaches an answer. His mouth has grown foul, and his breath stinks for there has been no chance to wash for weeks. There is grit beneath his nails, he digs holes for his excrement, and wipes himself half clean with torn leaves.

And here you are, wrapped in your warm duvet, while Jesus’ teeth chatter as he rolls himself in his cloak...