Sean Major-Campbell | Lent for resistance and resilience

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for 40 days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished (Luke 4:1-2). Even Jesus the Christ of God was not immune to temptation.

In these times of increasing bullying, oppression, get-rich-quick ideas, political gimmickry, fascism, oligarchy, and Orwellian politics, Lent presents us with an opportunity for resistance and resilience.

The faith community would do well to remember that the ways of Christ-consciousness advance resistance and resilience in a world that has become drunk on ill-gotten wealth, power, and misplaced worship.

IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread” (Luke 4:3). The temptation for high speed and instant gratification has been promoted by technological advances that assure increased convenience and comfort. A few seconds of slow Internet is no longer tolerable. The same is increasingly true about how people process the truth. We want the quickest and easiest method of getting news. Never mind the substance, source, and accuracy.

Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone’” (Luke 4:4). This value system of placing physical gratification in subjection to discipline and control has helped generations for centuries. Bread is important for everyone. However, life requires much more than physical support. We also have spiritual needs inclusive of psychological and emotional necessities. Fasting is interestingly not a requirement of divine gratification. It is instead a tool for strengthening the individual whose focus and resolve, inclusive of religious faith, may be advanced.

ABSOLUTE POWER

“Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours” (Luke 4:5-7).

The world appears to be in a phase of political leaders seeking to achieve and hold power at any cost. In the history of world politics, political leaders were often accorded divine status. Hence the status of gods to be revered, with the sentence of death placed on the head of any who failed to give worship and appeasement to the power-hungry narcissistic individuals and systems.

Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him’” (Luke4:8). The word ‘worship’ means ‘to give worth’. Any time divinity is misplaced, human beings often fill the void. Many worship self or another or even a thing. No wonder the Church has come to place much value on St Agustine’s Confessions in which he inspiringly notes, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

In a power-hungry world, Lent empowers the Christian to seek the kingdom of God above nationalism, racism, and apartheid.

TEMPTING GOD

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone’” (Luke 4:9-11). By now, you may have realised that ‘the devil’ is often our own internal wrestling with self and temptation. We do not need an outside force or person to experience temptations to get power, worship, and self-gratification at all costs.

Do not tempt fate. Simply do what is informed by reason and wisdom. Even in national elections, a country may tempt fate if its citizens do not employ reason and wisdom.

Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Luke 4:12). The temptations of Christ, show how even holy scripture is used and abused in the misdirection of those who should be guided by same. Christian extremists have consistently used half-truths to appeal to their audience. Unsuspecting followers are impressed with the quoting of scripture. More critical thinkers are, however, more open to questioning the invitations to practise xenophobia, racism, and bullying in the name of God.

The wilderness of this world’s temptations is filled with chances to be selfish and silent in the face of the suffering and the dehumanising of the most vulnerable. Justice demands that we speak truth to power on behalf of the powerless. Lent presents us with opportunities of resistance and resilience. Let us continue to speak out for human rights and justice for all.

This Lent, be reminded by Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com