From Temptation to Transformation: The Journey of Lent

First Sunday of Lent

First Reading Dt 26:4-10

Responsorial Psalm Ps 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15

Second Reading Rom 10:8-13

Gospel Lk 4:1-13

“Forty” is a significant number in the Scriptures, as it is used many times. It generally represents a period of trial, preparation, and purification. It appears in several key moments of biblical history:

• The Flood: It rained for 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7, 12).

• Moses on Mount Sinai: He spent 40 days and 40 nights with God (Exodus 24, 18).

• The Israelites in the desert: They wandered for 40 years before entering the Promised Land (Numbers 14, 33-34).

• Jonah and Nineveh: God gave the city 40 days to repent (Jonah 3, 4).

• Jesus in the desert: He fasted and was tempted for 40 days before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4, 1-11; Mark 1, 12-13; Luke 4, 1-13).

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we have begun the season of Lent, a time of grace in which the Lord invites us to conversion, prayer, fasting, and charity.

Today, we heard in the first reading the description of the ancient Jewish tradition of offering the first fruits and gifts to God during the harvest festival as an expression of gratitude for His liberation of His people from Egypt and for sustaining them through their years of trials and temptations in the desert. In the second reading, St. Paul warns the early Christians converted from Judaism not to yield to their constant temptation to return to the observances of the Mosaic Laws. He reminds them that they will be saved only by acknowledging the risen Jesus as Lord and Savior. He reminds them that salvation comes only through recognizing the risen Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Today´s Gospel speaks to us of three temptations with which the devil attempts to distract Jesus from His mission. These temptations were directed at Him and represented the trials we all face in our daily lives. Let us examine each of them and how we can apply their lessons to our Christian life.

1. The temptation of bread (the temptation of material needs)

This temptation reminds us of the human tendency to prioritize material comfort over spiritual nourishment. We often focus on money, success, and pleasure while neglecting prayer, faith, and our relationship with God. Jesus teaches us that while material needs are important, the most essential thing is to nourish our souls with the Word of God and trust in His providence.

2. The temptation of power and glory (the temptation of vanity and selfishness)

Here, the devil tries to seduce Jesus with power, prestige, and worldly glory. The story reminds us of how often we seek recognition, personal success, or the admiration of others, neglecting humility and service to God. Jesus teaches us that the only true path is faithfulness to God and selfless service to others. Our lives must be centered on Him, not on the pursuit of honors and privileges.

3. The Temptation to Test God (The Temptation of Self-Sufficiency and Lack of Faith)

In this temptation, the devil wants Jesus to challenge God, demanding proof of His love and protection. Sometimes, we fall into this attitude when we expect God to act according to our desires or when we doubt His love in times of trial or suffering. Jesus teaches us that true faith does not demand signs from God but trusts fully in His love and His plans, even when we do not fully understand them.

Dear brothers and sisters, in these three temptations, we see our struggles and weaknesses reflected. We see how the devil seeks to tempt us to satisfy our material needs, to seek power and glory, and to demonstrate our importance. However, we also see how Jesus responds to these temptations with firmness and trust in the Word of God.

During this Lenten season, we are invited to reflect on our temptations and to seek conversion on our journey to Easter. We are called to seek spiritual nourishment, to be loyal only to God, and to trust in his Word rather than seeking spectacular demonstrations of power.

The Word of God, which is our shield against the enemy’s lies and guides us on the path of truth. May God bless you and keep you.