"At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry." Matthew 4: 1-11 -- First Sunday of Lent.  

What are you hungry for? It can't be chocolate--Lent just started! No matter what age we get to be, everyone hungers for friendship. Beyond our nutritional requirements or physical appetites, we yearn to know we matter to another person.

Friendship is as important as food to our bodies. We need someone to be glad to see us or miss us when we are away. When someone appreciates our unique talents and qualities, it is more satisfying than the finest meal. If fear of rejection or feelings of superiority make us avoid making new friends, we will be prey to the despair that Jesus encountered in the desert. Alone, without the support of a caring community, we can begin to hear demons whisper a great lie to us: "No one loves you. Your life is meaningless."

It is the same lie Satan told Jesus--that God had forsaken him. But Jesus wasn't fooled. Our Lord was nourished by the heavenly community of the Trinity and he is offering us the same fullness of community in the Church and in our CFM groups. In the arid climate of today's super-individualistic society, we need other people who will remind us that we matter. And they need us. Extend a hand of friendship to someone new during Lent.