Here are some of the powerful themes that surface in the Mass Readings for 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.

Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Lent (#22)

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