Throughout the ministry of Jesus, the Bible portrays in a vivid language our Lord’s commitment to complete his earthly journey. No matter the adversary, no matter the temptations, the journey that began in baptism will carry itself to completion at the cross. There is a profound exhortation for us in this narrative: just as Jesus completed His work, so too, we are called to complete our work by His strength. He who began a good work in us will complete it (Phil. 1:6).
Since this is the case, God has given us the means to strengthen our journey in this world. He gives us his gifts of grace in Word, sacraments, community, prayer, and many others. We do not journey with only the clothes on our back. Lent teaches us that in Christ all things are given for us. We journey with his gifts to Easter. His gifts are enough.
Prayer: O merciful Jesus, your faithfulness to the end alleviated us from carrying so great burdens in our own earthly journey. Instead of misery, we live in abundant joy. Indeed there is no greater joy than knowing you, the only True God, amen.
