'We are here that we may learn to bear the beams of light', said Blake. This is the purpose of discipleship and the spiritual journey. The journey from illusion to reality is a necessary journey through Lent. The greatest ally in any illusory exercise is the devil himself. Where better than in the sphere of religion can the devil promote a programme of illusion and self-deception. We need to pray at every turn in the road for the spirit of discernment, if we are to distinguish between illusion and reality. We have to shake off this illusion if we are to expose ourselves to the bright beams of reality, truth and love.