First Sunday of Lent

Readings: Deuteronomy 26, 4-10, Romans 10, 8-13. Luke 4, 1-13

On Ash Wednesday We began our journey with Christ. As a Journey that will last about six and half weeks, the Lenten season presents to us the opportunity of re-living the Paschal mystery of Christ. It exposes us to other dimensions of life, and thus, equips us for the glory of Easter. This first Sunday of Lent, starts on a hopeful note. The readings bring in view concepts like faith, salvation and victory over sin. These remind us of the need to praise God for the great wonders he worked for our gathers in faith. Through our participation this Lent God is ready to extend the same wonders to us.

This season therefore, we are to be mindful of the fact that temptations abound, just as our Lord was tempted today by the devil in our gospel. It is important to note that the tempter is always looking for a point of contact or weakness. This was why, once he realized that Christ was very hungry he felt it was an opportunity to use Him. However, the good news is that the devil was wrong., because Christ did not give him the chance to use Him. Hence, the devil cannot succeed with us too if we do not open avenues for him in our lives.

We must not give the devil any chance this season and in our entire life time. Therefore, let us close all the avenues in the course of this journey by wearing the sign: "Road closed or No Vacancy Here!" The avenues that must be closely guarded this season as the temptation of Jesus Christ teaches us include: The avenues of hunger and thirst for sin, the avenue of cheap popularity, vain glory, praise, and selfishness. These are obstacles to our spiritual growth, victory, and of course, to our salvation.