For the first Sunday in Lent, Rev. Cari preached on Matthew 4:1-11, the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. She preached in the style of the “Spiritual” stream of the Theological Banquet, because the text itself is so consonant with the “Spiritual” themes of prayer, struggle with temptation, inner sorting, and intimacy with God.

The three temptations Jesus faces can be understood in many ways, but today, Rev. Cari invites us to see them as invitations to become aware of the “hidden fountain” of grace.

The sermon closes with a time of silence for prayer and pondering three questions she poses:
Who do I trust for my nourishment?
Who do I trust to love and care for me?
Who do I trust with my God-given gifts for service?