The news of the past few weeks have been filled with stories of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The season of Lent begins under these ominous clouds of war and in our gospel for the First Sunday of Lent, Jesus is involved in his own battle in the wilderness as he confronts the forces of evil. His only weapon is the Word of God. As Saint Paul says in the second reading, “The word is near you, on your lips and in your hearts.” May we allow God’s Word to come closer to us than it’s ever been before during this Lenten season. Spend time each day with the Scripture readings for the day. Allow them to penetrate deep into our souls and shape our lives. As Jesus entered the wilderness to battle the forces of evil, Lent invites us to enter deeply the paschal mystery by immersing ourselves in the Word of God. And as we do, we hold the people of Ukraine close to our hearts in prayer and solidarity.