this pattern for Advent, the other time of waiting in our liturgical calendar. We get so caught up in the expectations - the promise of what lies ahead, that sometimes, we forget about the 'now' and the preparation required to get to the promise of 'then'. Just as Noah had to spend time preparing for the flood by building a boat, Jesus spent time in the Wilderness, preparing for his public ministry. And we, in our turn, now spend time in lent, preparing for the joyous news of Easter. It's a strange time, Lent, because we have a paradox. We move inexorably towards the final destination: Jerusalem and Holy Week. And yet, the journey is also the destination. Let's have a look at the Gospel reading..