On the first Sunday of Lent this year, Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred A. Schlert took to social media with the story of the devil tempting Jesus during his 40 days in the Wilderness.

Schlert's Twitter post was a nod to that day's Sunday Gospel reading, Luke 4:1-13, which describes Jesus's 40 days of fasting and temptation, a story also told in Matthew 4:1-11 and Mark 1:12-15. Jesus found strength in God to withstand the temptation and his ministry began.

"As the Lord is tempted, we see the insidiousness of Satan," Schlert said in his Sunday, March 6 Twitter post, in which he also reminded the faithful of promises during their baptism and confirmation. "We affirm that we reject Satan, and all his works, and all his empty promises."

In a separate statement for the Lenten Season posted to the diocese's website, Schlert reminded the faithful that, over the 40 days of Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Holy Week and Easter Sunday, remembrance of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection, they are encouraged to imitate Jesus' sacrifice during his 40 days in the desert.

"His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross gave birth to the Sacramental life of the Church: the cleansing waters of Baptism and the lasting nourishment of His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist," Schlert said in his statement. "From that very place of His torture and death flowed the Sacraments that give us true life and sustain us along our earthly pilgrimage."

The 40 days of Lent echoes the biblical significance of the number forty, according to a Catholic Culture article. In addition to Christ's 40 days in the wilderness, there also is the 40 days of the Great Flood described in the Book of Genesis lasted 40 days, the 40 years in which Moses and the Israelites wandered in the desert and the 40 days that Moses fasted on Mount Sinai.

"The number forty is found frequently in scripture to signify either a time of penitential preparation, or a time of punishment and affliction sent from God," the Catholic Culture article said.

The U.S. Conference of Bishops describes Lent as "a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter."

"During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting," the USCCB continues in its description. "We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully."

Traditionally, Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent, but the USCCB notes that we are called to practice self-discipline in other ways. The USCCB also notes that Catholics should consider the definition of "almsgiving" to include sharing of time and talents.

In his statement, Schlert urged the faithful to take comfort in the Real Presence of Christ during Lent.

"Throughout this Sacred Season, I invite you to be intentional about spending time with Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, His Real Presence," the bishop said. "Thank Him for the blessings in your life and lay before Him the burdens that weigh you down. Ask Him to help you carry these crosses. Please use Lent as an opportunity to make a good confession acknowledging where you have failed and asking for His Mercy. Draw close to the pierced side of Christ, even if it has been a while since you have encountered Him in the Sacraments."

Schlert also reminded everyone about the Solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19 with the diocesan family is expected to gather in the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena on Turner Street in Allentown for a Eucharistic Congress. The Congress is one of a number of events scheduled at the Cathedral this Lenten Season, currently listed on the landing page of the Cathedral's website.

"This is an opportunity during this Lenten Season and our Jubilee Year of the Real Presence to re-center ourselves on the power of the Holy Eucharist through witness reflections, opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance and Eucharistic Adoration, and the celebration of Holy Mass," Schlert said. "Our Eucharistic Congress will be an occasion to seek that 'fount of life' that flows from His pierced Heart - and to unite our share in the Cross to His. I encourage you and your family to participate in this great day."