“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” We have all likely heard this well-meaning philosophy at some point. It has woven itself into our popular culture and quietly challenges us to value perseverance.

As Lent begins, the Church invites us to reflect on Jesus’ forty days in the desert. Who was with him during this time? The Gospel tells us that Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit, and it is through this profound communion in prayer that he is able to endure such a long and intense fast. When Jesus returns to the physical world, his hunger becomes evident. The tempter is waiting for this moment, believing that Jesus is most vulnerable now. Satan aims to make Jesus doubt his identity as the Son of God and to act on his immediate needs independent of the Father’s will. Even Jesus’ holy desire for unity with God becomes a point of temptation: Satan encourages him to seize that good now rather than waiting for the Father’s intended timing.

As we undertake this Season of Lent, we are called to an ongoing conversion. The practices and disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are a preparation. If we are in union with Christ, then Jesus, in the fullness of both his divinity and humanity, will conquer for us. We do not need to be victors to share in the glory of the Lord, to dine at his Eucharistic table and receive the fullness of joy. During this season, do not intentionally seek temptation. After us, we pray in Jesus’ words: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” We are not undergoing this season to be placed in temptation, but to connect us with the will of God. Let’s not focus on energy and on what. As we enter this Season of Lent, we are called to ongoing conversion. The practices and disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving serve as our preparation. If we remain united with Christ, then Jesus, in the fullness of both his divinity and humanity, will conquer for us. We do not need to be victors to share in the glory of the Lord, to partake in his Eucharistic table, and to receive the fullness of joy.

During this season, let us not intentionally seek out temptation. We pray, in the words of Jesus: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliverus from evil.” We do not go throughthis season to be placed in situations of temptation, but to align ourselves with the will of God.

Let’s focus not on what we lack or our hungers, but on the abundance that the Lord offers. Remember that in the “boredom” of silence or the quiet of our hearts lies an invitation for the Lord to enter our lives and make his presence known to us. We lack our hungers, but on the abundance of what the Lord offers. Let’s be mindful that in the “boredom” of silence or the quiet of our hearts is the invitation for the Lord to enter our lives and make his presence known to us.

We should keep one another in prayer and support each other, encouraging one another to rely solely on the Lord and His will for us!