First Sunday of Lent ~ The Temptation of Christ

First Sunday of Lent (A)

Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7

Ps 51:3-6, 12-13.17

Rom 5:12-19

Matt 4:1-11

"At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil." (Matt 4:1)  Jesus had spent 40 days and nights in the desert fasting and now, he was hungry.  Perhaps he was also discouraged and weakened in spirit because he was contemplating the future of his ministry, knowing that he would soon be facing the end of it.  And Satan appears!

It isn't by accident that the devil appears at times when we are at our weakest and most vulnerable.  But Jesus has a strength that goes beyond weakness and hunger.  Satan tempts him with food for Jesus' hunger, power for Jesus' weakness and all the kingdoms of the world if only Jesus will bow down and worship him.

"Get away, Satan!  It is written:  'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'  Then the devil left him and behold, angels came and ministered to him."  (Matt 4:10-11)

How do we respond when tempted?  Probably not as dramatically as Jesus did, but hopefully, we call out to the Lord to help us to overcome the temptation.  Those times that we fail, we can turn to Ps 51 and hear how the psalmist prayed for comfort and forgiveness.  "...wipe out my offense...wash me from my guilt...Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight." (Ps 51)

We believe that forgiveness is always available for us.  We need only to ask for it from our God whose arms are always open to receive us as the Father he is.

During this season of Lent, we will also have the opportunity to ask for that forgiveness in a more formal way, through Reconciliation Services that many churches make available for their parishioners and anyone else who wishes to receive this Sacrament.  If your parish does not have a service scheduled, check the nearby parishes so that you can fulfill your obligation to receive this Sacrament during this season of Lent and Easter.

~ Image: Travis Agnew.org