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Just over a week ago I attended a four-day Religious Education congress at the Anaheim Convention Center. This is an annual extravaganza for those involved in ministry, catechesis and liturgical music. It draws some of the best speakers in the world and some 38,000 people attend the congress every year. This year one of the workshops I attended was entitled: "Who Invited the Devil?" With a title like that I couldn't resist attending this talk to see what I could learn. It was given by Fr. Tony Ricard, a catholic priest and high school teacher from New Orleans. Now this guy has to be one of the most funny, energetic and dynamic speakers I've ever heard. For an hour and a half he regaled us with story, lively wit and humor. Let me share with you one of his funny stories.

Now this lady died and went up to heaven where she duly met St. Peter at the Pearly gates. On arriving there he explained to her how she could gain admission to heaven: firstly, he told her, you must take the elevator down to Hell and spend 24 hours there; then you get the elevator back up to heaven and you spend 24 hours there. Having completed your full day in Hell and your full day in Heaven you must return to me and tell me which place you would like to spend eternity. It's that simple.

So off our friend goes - down the elevator to Hell. As soon as the elevator doors opens she beholds the most beautiful rolling green golf course she has ever seen. It's a bright beautiful sunny day and in the distance she hears music and laughter coming from a very prestigious clubhouse. On entering the clubhouse she is welcomed by these wonderfully gracious people who show her around and serve her delicious food and drinks. One person in particular, who introduces himself as Lucifer, goes out of his way to make his new guest feel at home. And so our friend spends a delectable and fun-filled 24 hours in Hell. And then it's back into the elevator and straight up to heaven to spend her 24 hours there.

On arriving again in heaven St. Peter meets her, gives her a harp and sends her to a designated cloud where she is to sit quietly for the next 24 hours. Well the 24 hours seem like an eternity to our friend and she is more than relieved when they are up. She then returns to St. Peter who asks her: "Now that you have spent a full day in Hell and a full day in heaven, where do you desire to spend eternity?" Without hesitation this lady replies: "No offence, St. Peter, but Hell was much more fun and exciting. I'm taking the elevator back there right now."

And so she does. But when the elevator door opens this time in Hell she beholds a barren, smoky wasteland, strewn with dead and rotting flesh. The stench is unbearable and the few people that are alive are dressed in rags and spending their time rummaging around on a garbage heap in search of food. Just then the polite and charming gentleman by the name of Lucifer whom she had met the previous day at the clubhouse appears and smiles at her. So she confronts him: "Where is the beautiful golf course and clubhouse that I enjoyed so much yesterday?" To which Lucifer replied, "Ah that was yesterday and yesterday we were simply recruiting you. Today you get to stay!"

In our gospel this morning the Devil promises Jesus power and dominion if only he would bow down and worship him. Jesus does not deny the power of evil. And he does not deny that he wants that power. But not at any price. Sometimes the means to an end destroys the end itself. If Jesus gains the world by bowing to evil, he denies the greater sovereignty of goodness. And what would it gain him if he won the world and lost his soul? He answered, "All powers on earth are to be acknowledged, but only God is to be adored." All of us may wonder what powers we bow to under the pretext of adoring God.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the popular TV series, "American Idol." Every year 70,000 young contestants audition for this coveted talent contest. This is eventually whittled down to a final 32, out of which the new American Idol will be chosen. And what is the prize for the lucky winner? Well the promise of fame, a lucrative record deal and all the trappings of wealth, I guess. And will this lead to health, happiness and utter fulfillment in this young person's life? Who knows? But I think not.

As we journey together in faith this Lent, perhaps we need to ask ourselves: who or what in my life is perhaps luring me into a false sense of security and peace? Who or what am I idolizing? Money? My body? My home? My job? My self-importance? The Lenten journey of faith calls us to a fundamental conversion of heart. It calls us to find in our Christian faith and teachings the pathways to lasting peace, justice and love for all.

Another insightful and funny incident Fr. Tony Ricard shared with us was: he told us about, Daniel, a young student at the all black boys high school where he teaches. Now Daniel was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy who wore a permanent smile on his face. And no matter how often his teacher corrected him or shouted at him, he would just keep smiling and laughing. So this day Fr. Tony in his frustration at Daniel asked him: "How is it Daniel that every time I yell at you, you seem to laugh and smile all the more. I don't get it. What is it with you?" To which Daniel replied, in his colorful New Orleans accent: "Well that's because my mama always says, 'Don't let the Devil steal your joy!'"

And so I say to you: As we journey together in faith this Lent, don't let the Devil steal your Joy!