the First Sunday in Lent

the Rev. Phil Brochard The speaker recalls a fear they had 25 years ago about losing themselves in New York City while attending seminary. Looking back, they realize that their time there—especially during 9/11—tested and shaped them. This connects to Deuteronomy, where the Israelites preserve their identity through remembrance and action. Likewise, during Lent, Jesus is tested in the wilderness, refusing to use power for personal gain but staying connected to God and humanity. We, too, face tests in daily life, sometimes failing. Lent reminds us to turn back, reclaim who we are, and take action—feeding neighbors, sharing power, and standing with others in times of crisis.