Practicing paradise, or refusing wretchedness in Lent

Mark Vernon - Talks and Thoughts

Western liturgies are obsessed with sin. "There is no health in us", or words to that effect, begin and end most services, particularly in Lent.
Jesus's wilderness experience was actually about something else - practicing paradise, to use to the phrase of Douglas Christie.
It's a time to reorientate attention, not wallow in guilt and re-embed shame. The kingdom is near. Eyes that see, ears that hear, can awaken.