FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Readings: Genesis 2:7-9,16-18, 25; 3. 1-7 , Romans 5.12-19 , Mathew 4.1-11

The Church invites us to celebrate Jesus Christ the second Adam, who by the power of the Holy Spirit overcame temptation and sin. Through his obedience to the Father’s will, Christ restored the world. Therefore, this season calls for great discipline, courage, vigilance, and a strong faith in God.

From this reading, it is evident that temptation in itself is not sin. 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 the problem of the “Id” and “Ego” that we try to satisfy every day. Many of us are so engrossed in our quest for knowledge to the extent 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.

In the second reading, Paul traces the origin of sin to Adam. He 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. The gospel reminds us of the ordeal we go through every day in life. That is, the temptation we face each day. Jesus overcame temptations because the Holy Spirit was with him. He overcame through prayer and fasting.

So, during this season of Lent and beyond, we too must get ourselves prepared for the great journey ahead. We must be firm in prayers, and be watchful so that we do not fall to the temptations of the evil one.

      WISHING YOU ALL A JOYFUL & PRAYERFUL HOLY SEASON OF LENT

Fr. Terry