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 pity of Jesus in the presence of a leper reveals the Lord’s compassion for human suffering. As Christ heals the leper, we recognize God’s great desire to restore us to health and wholeness.
Jesus heals a paralytic who was brought to him by others who were determined and faithful. May their witness inspire us to bring others to Christ for the healing they need.
The response from Psalm 33 echoes the wonder and awe in our hearts as we acknowledge the beauty of creation. May our awareness of creation help us to discern the contrast of our sin, inspiring us to run to Christ for the grace we need.
We glimpse the compassion of Christ as he pities the people who come to him with their suffering and pain. May the Lord’s mercy inspire us to run to him in our needs, as we share his kindness and love.
With a simple phrase Jesus heals both body and soul, revealing not only his power to save but also our need to receive his mercy with an open mind and heart.
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