March 13, 2011 – Leviticus 26:14 - 26:46

Msgr. talked today about the correlation or use of deserts as symbols for the life we will get when we do not chose God.  The readings were about Adam and Eve’s fall.  Because they chose themselves over God, they were sent into the desert.  Because the Israelites tested God, they were sent into the desert for 40 years.  Because Israel did not choose God, they were sent into exile.  Repeatedly we see this image being used.  When you chose your will over God’s will, it can only lead to desert and wilderness and eventually death.  This reading goes right along with that idea.  God is saying desert is what you are going to get if you do not follow what I have told you. 

The part that kept jumping out at me was “"If, despite all this, you still persist in disobeying and defying me” 26:18, 27.  He says it twice.  There is a long list of punishments, and then if you still are not following Him, more will be stacked on.  And more if you continue.  It is as if the desert is infinite in front of you if you keep walking in one direction.  Your other chose is to turn around and start walking the other way and find paradise.  The problem is that we refuse to turn around.

Msgr. tied the Gospel today into all this by talking about Jesus going into the desert, which was the Gospel reading.  He went into the desert, where we are when we separated ourselves from God, to show us that you can make it out.  He went where He did not have to go, to show us what we needed to see.  When we are tempted, we need to turn to God and not give in to that temptation.  By doing this, by telling Satan to be gone, then will we find rest and angels will minister to us. 

Funny story about temptation I heard at a different homily.  A woman was at a store and saw a dress that was perfect.  Then she saw the price tag for $500.  She thought about all the bills, the groceries, fixing the car, and all the other things that needed to be paid for.  She struggled and struggled but finally gave in and bought the dress.  When she got home, she tried it on and showed her husband.  As husbands will do, the first thing out of his mouth was “How much did that cost”.  She told him $500.  “What!  Are you crazy!  What about all the bills and groceries and all the other things?”  She said, “The temptation was just too much.”  Therefore, he asked her “why didn’t you just say get behind me Satan!”  She replied, “I did.  Then he whispered in my ear, it looks great from the back as well.”

The moral is that temptations are not easy to overcome.  We must struggle against these temptations. This Lent we must put forth a greater effort to strive against those things that separate us from God. Even though most this chapter is about the woes God will bring to those that do not follow His commands, He will remember His covenant, His commitment to those that turn back towards Him and He is infinitely patient.