Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, He is hungry and vulnerable. There, the devil tempts Him. On the parapet of the temple, the devil says, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down… He will command his angels concerning you.” The evil one even quotes Scripture, promising that angels will protect Him.

But Jesus refuses. Not because angels would not come, but because it was not the Father’s will. “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test,” He answers. He will not force God’s hand or seek glory outside of obedience.

And then we are told something beautiful. After the devil leaves Him, angels came and ministered to Him.

The devil promised angels on his terms. God sent angels on His own.

There is a lesson here for us, especially during Lent. Have you ever felt like you were fighting Lent? Like the sacrifice you chose was wearing you down instead of drawing you closer to Christ? Perhaps what you gave up felt meaningful at first, but now it is making you irritable or impatient. Maybe giving up snacks has made you short-tempered with your family. Maybe a strict fast has led to pride or resentment. If your sacrifice is causing you to sin in other ways, it may not be what God is asking of you.

It’s Lent, don’t vent. A sacrifice that closes our hearts to others is not the kind of offering that prepares a hospitable space for Christ.

We are called to unite our sacrifice with Jesus’ sacrifice. It is meant to challenge us, yes, but not to break us. Challenging, yes. Impossible, no. Whatever we choose should ultimately bring us closer to Christ.

The devil can even twist holy things. He can whisper, “Prove yourself. Do something extreme.” But Jesus shows us that obedience matters more than drama. Trust matters more than spectacle.

Lent carries within it a gentle spirit of hospitality. When we fast and pray, we make room in our hearts. If our sacrifice makes us harsh and closed, it may not be the right one. But if it softens us, makes us more patient and more aware of others, then it is preparing a place for Christ to dwell.

The angels came to Jesus after He chose obedience. Not after He performed, but after He trusted.

Lent is not about impressing God. It is about loving Him. No matter what we give up or take on, it should lead us closer to Him. When we align our will with the Father’s will, we will find that grace meets us there, and we are never alone in the desert.

Yours in Lent,

Lyssa Rollolazo

Director of Communications & Hospitality