Friends, today is the first Sunday of Lent Year A. Our Mother Church invites us to reflect on temptation, obedience, and God’s mercy. The readings remind us of the struggles we face and the hope we find in Jesus. By looking at Jesus’ example in the desert, we learn how to trust in God and resist temptation. This is a time to grow in faith through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lord, help us to follow Jesus’ example of faith and obedience. Give us the strength to resist temptation and trust in your love. Guide us through our struggles and remind us that we are never alone. May we grow closer to you through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Friends, the first reading shows how Adam and Eve were tempted and gave in. They ate the fruit God told them not to eat. Their choice brought sin into the world. We all became vulnerable to temptation and Original Sin through the disobedience of our progenitors. From this reading, it is evident that temptation in itself is not a sin. A sin is a gross act of disobedience against our Creator and a violation of the natural order of things. It suffices to note the stages that Eve went through before she finally succumbed to Satan. “The woman saw…that it was desirable for knowledge. She took some of the fruit and ate it.” This is the nature of our daily struggle. It is a problem of the “Id” and “Ego” that we try to satisfy every day. Many of us are so engrossed in our quest for knowledge that we are ready to go against the will and commandments of God. So, we must guard ourselves against the temptations of the evil one.
Friends, in the second reading of today, Saint Paul helps us connect these two stories. He says that one man brought sin, but another man, Jesus, brings life. Through Him, we can be made right with God again. Paul highlighted the consequence of sin: “…Death spread through the human race because everyone has sinned.” This means that sin disrupts life and leads to death. It brings fear, hopelessness, and shame. However, we are not hopeless because “The Divine Grace that flows from Christ” saves and acquits us. If we abide in him, we will find the strength and grace to overcome temptation and sin. Therefore, this is a season of Grace.
Friends, the gospel of today tells the story of Jesus being tempted in the desert. After fasting for forty days, he is hungry and weak, making him vulnerable to the devil’s tricks. The devil tempts him three times, trying to get him to use his power for himself, to test God’s protection, and to worship him for worldly gain. But each time, Jesus responds with words from Scripture, staying true to his mission and trust in God. This shows us that temptation is part of human life. Even Jesus faced it. But his example teaches us that we can resist temptation by staying close to God and knowing His Word. Jesus did not argue or debate with the devil. He simply relied on his faith and Scripture to stand firm. We, too, face temptations in our daily lives. We might be tempted to seek comfort, power, or approval in ways that pull us away from God.
Friends, the temptations in the desert challenge us to look at the false promises of the world. The devil tempted Jesus to never be hungry, never be harmed, and to control all earthly power. These temptations offer a life without suffering or dependence on God. But Jesus rejected these lies and chose trust and obedience to God. Brothers and sisters, we will face challenges, needs, and suffering. But we are called to trust God’s plan for us. Jesus’ refusal to turn stones into bread shows us that we do not live on material things alone. His rejection of testing God’s protection shows us to trust God without demanding proof. And his refusal to worship the devil for power teaches us to serve God alone. Lent invites us to confront our own desires for comfort, security, and control. The practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving help us do this. Prayer keeps us close to God and reminds us of his presence. Fasting teaches us to rely on God when we face needs and wants. Almsgiving helps us let go of material things and trust in God’s care. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed Sunday and a fruitful first week of Lent ahead of you.
