By Lucy Johnson

“We Cried to the Lord, and the Lord Heard Our Voice” ~ Deut 26:7

Have you ever been at your wits end?  Worried or tired due to a problem that you cannot solve? Who can help?  It was in such a desperate moment, that William Wilson, a 40-year-old Wall Street analyst and hopeless alcoholic, cried out “I’ll do anything! Anything at all! If there be a God, let Him show Himself!”  At that moment he experienced a sensation of bright light, a feeling of ecstasy, and a newfound serenity.  He never drank again.

In today’s First Reading, we hear an account of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt crying out to God, and God responded by bringing them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. In the Gospel reading, we hear of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the desert.  We too are tempted every day.  Like William Wilson, our temptations, whether they be alcohol, pride, money or something else, enslave us.

We are only freed when we cry out to God as in the Responsorial Psalm, “Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble”.  God can free us from our temptations and lead us into the Promised Land. Sometimes, however, we need the help of those around us.

William Wilson’s story didn’t end when he found God.  A few years later while on a business trip, he felt a tremendous temptation to drink.  It was only by talking with another alcoholic that he could remain sober.  Thus was born Alcoholics Anonymous, and today William Wilson is known all over the world as Bill W.

Our faith is strengthened when we are surrounded by people who share our beliefs or challenge us to expand our thinking. We need God, and we need others.  As we begin this Lenten season, let’s us remember that we are not alone.  There is no problem so big that can’t be solved with God’s help and a friend.

Prayer

Oh God, be with me when I am in trouble.  Help me turn to You first and trust that You will show me the way.  Help me to recognize the addictions or temptations that enslave me and free me from them. Amen 

Call to Action

Lent is the perfect time to immerse yourself in reading scripture. Perhaps you can join a small group or bible study or attend a retreat. Use these 40 days in the desert to discern what God is asking of you as you journey through life to the Promised Land.

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