Jesus teaches the disciples about the grace of the corporal works of mercy, revealing how these profound acts of service to those in need have eternal consequences for us all.
The Lord’s triumph over temptation heals the first sin of Adam and Eve, blazing a trail for us as we draw strength from Christ for perseverance and mercy.
Like the call of Levi, Jesus calls us to turn from our sins and follow the Lord. May Levi’s example inspire us to accept Christ’s invitation with joyful enthusiasm today.
Both the Gospel of Matthew and the prophet Isaiah refer to fasting. When this ancient spiritual practice is linked with spiritual fruitfulness, we grow closer to the Lord and one another.
We begin the season of Lent by acknowledging our sins and admitting our faults. Rather than blame others or hide from our shortcomings, we place ashes on our foreheads as a sign and confession that we need Jesus to receive forgiveness and mercy.
Here are some of the powerful themes that surface in the 1st Sunday of Lent.
1st Reading – Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7
God breathes life into the man who is formed from the clay.
In the garden in Eden, God plants many trees, including the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
The serpent tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, and she and Adam eat it.
Psalm – 51:3-6,12-13,17
“Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.”
Acknowledging our sins, we call upon the Lord for mercy and ask for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit.
2nd Reading – Romans 5:12-19
Through the transgression of one man (Adam) condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous act (Jesus) acquittal and life came to all.
Through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one (Jesus), the many will be made righteous.
Gospel – Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert, where he fasts for forty days and nights and is then tempted by the devil.
The first temptation: command stones to become bread. Jesus rejects this, citing Deuteronomy 8:3.
The second temptation: jump off the parapet of the temple. Jesus rejects this, citing Deuteronomy 6:16.
The third temptation: worship Satan and receive the kingdoms of the world. Jesus rejects this, citing Deuteronomy 6:13.
The temptation and capitulation to sin has now led Judas to a moment of action. As he betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, we recall how all sin leads us ultimately away from God and one another.
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Three Great Things 