March 5, 2017: First Sunday of Lent

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.
The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God,
command that these stones become loaves of bread.” He said in reply,
“It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”

Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, you shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”

Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him (Matthew 4:1-11)

Reflection

In today’s Gospel the devil tries to tempt Jesus away from what it means to be centered in God. Jesus response reveals his trust and reliance on his Father alone, for he knows that God’s love is not only unconditional, but his ultimate security. In today’s world we are bombarded by so many temptations that disguise themselves as harmless, and in reality pull us away from our relationship with God.

Action

As Lent begins ask yourself, what is it that I most long for in my relationship with God? Take this to prayer.