Friends, on Ash Wednesday we began our journey with Christ. As a journey that will last for about six weeks and some days, the Lenten season presents us the opportunity to re-live the Paschal mystery of Christ. The readings of today help us deepen our faith. By focusing on the concepts of temptation, salvation, and trust. These remind us of the need to praise God for the great wonders he worked for our fathers in faith. Through our participation this Lent God is ready to extend the same wonders to us. Lord, help us to trust in You and resist temptation. Guide us to share Your love and salvation with everyone. Strengthen our faith during this Lenten season.
Friends, the first reading of today begins with a very brief account from Moses about how God delivered His chosen people Israel from bondage in the land of Egypt. Therefore, this reminds us of our salvific journey. This Lenten season, we are on a journey to our salvation, and the hope of this salvation must sustain us throughout this season and beyond. The readings remind us to rely on God in every situation. Trust is a key aspect of our faith journey, especially during Lent. Brothers and sisters, in spring, as the wheat began to be ready in the fields and the trees were beginning to yield their fruits, they filled a basket with these early fruits and took it to the priest in the temple. On presenting them to the priest of God the farmer would say; “I know that these things are a gift from God and do not belong to me, since they grew in the land he gave me.” The priest took the basket and placed it in front of the altar of the Lord and as he stood standing and in silence, the good Jewish peasant professed his faith. In such a profession he recalled the main events of the history of his people.
Friends, the Israelites offer their first fruits to God, showing their trust and gratitude. They recognize that everything they have comes from Him. This act of trust is a powerful example for us. Brothers and sisters, trusting in the arm of our flesh will not help us this season. This is because it might fail us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, this season, God is ready to do for us what He did for our fathers in faith in ancient times.
Friends, the second reading of today presents another dimension to this journey towards salvation. Paul tells us that salvation is available to everyone who calls on the Lord. This message reminds us that God’s love and mercy are open to all people, regardless of their background. This inclusiveness is central to the Gospel. Paul emphasizes that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. Anyone who believes in Jesus and calls on His name will be saved. This universal offer of salvation shows us that God’s love knows no boundaries. We are called to share this message with others. Just as God’s love is inclusive, so should our outreach be. We should welcome and support everyone in their journey toward faith. Our actions should reflect the inclusiveness of God’s love. Living out this message means being open to others. It means being willing to listen, help, and guide those who seek God. It also means living a life that reflects God’s love and mercy, showing others the way to salvation through our example. As we begin Lent, let’s remember that salvation is for everyone. We are all called to share this good news with the world. Let us be instruments of God’s inclusive love, welcoming all who seek Him.
Friends, in the Gospel of today, Jesus faces three significant temptations in the desert. Each temptation tests His commitment to His mission and His trust in God. The first temptation is for physical comfort. The devil challenges Jesus to turn stones into bread. Jesus resists, showing that His mission is not about satisfying His own needs but about fulfilling God’s will. The second temptation is for worldly power. The devil offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He will worship him. Jesus rejects this, choosing the Kingdom of God over earthly authority. This decision points to His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The third temptation is for glory. The devil tells Jesus to throw Himself from the temple and let the angels save Him. Jesus resists, focusing on His mission rather than seeking personal glory. He uses His power only for God’s purpose, not for His benefit.
Friends, these temptations are relevant to us as well. We face similar challenges in our lives. By following Jesus’ example, we can resist temptations and stay focused on our mission to serve God and others. Brothers and sisters, Jesus’ time in the desert teaches us about trusting God in times of trial. Jesus resists the devil’s temptations by relying on God’s word. His trust in God helps Him stay focused on His mission. Trusting God means believing that He will guide and support us. It means turning to Him in prayer and relying on His strength. During Lent, we are called to deepen our trust in God through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. Friends, let’s use this Lenten season to strengthen our trust in God. By relying on Him, we can face any challenge and grow in our faith. Trust in God is the foundation of our spiritual journey. The Lord be with you …. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Prayerful Lenten Season
Pray With Us Online Rosary Every Monday @ 8 pm.
Remember we are pilgrims of Hope!
By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
