First Sunday of Lent
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Mt 4:1-11
February 26, 2023 | Sunday
Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert, that he might be put to the test by the devil. After Jesus fasted forty days and nights he was famished. Then the tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, order these stones to turn into bread.” But Jesus answered, “Scripture says: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Jesus to the Holy City, set him on the highest wall of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for scripture says: God has given orders to his angels concerning you. Their hands will hold you up, lest you hurt your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered, “But scripture also says: You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Then the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain, and showed him all the nations of the world in all their greatness and splendor. And he said, “All this I will give you, if you kneel down and worship me.” Then Jesus answered, “Be off, Satan! Scripture says: Worship the Lord your God and serve him alone!” Then the devil left him; and angels came to serve him.
Today’s Reflection:
In our Gospel reading today, Jesus was led by the Spirit to the desert to be tested by the devil. Jesus was hungry after having fasted for forty days and nights. The tempter came and tested Jesus.
However, Jesus turned the table to the devil by quoting the words from the Scriptures. The devil left Jesus after his failed attempts to test Him. In this first week of Lent, we are reminded that
humans as we are, we all experience different kinds and degrees of temptations. May we follow the example of Christ and listen to the Word of God so that we may be taught how to combat the lure of the evil one. May our souls be strengthened by the Word of God in times of spiritual distress. /Vulnerasti, 2023
