Abundance of Grace over the Weakness of Satan

 1st Sunday of Lent: February 26, 2023

Readings: Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7;Psalm 51:3–6; 12–14, 17; Romans 5:12–19; Matthew 4:1–11

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/ioP4T1JVDUg

We have just begun the Holy Season of Lent. This 40 days long of preparation for the commemoration of Christ's passion, death and resurrection is, indeed, a spiritual experience of renewal, reconnecting, and retransformation. It is our choice whether to make that story of our Lord as our story. It is a time to recognize our finiteness, our brokenness, and our sinfulness. Thus realize that God is the foundation of our lives. The liturgical readings on this First Sunday of Lent invite us to be part of God's story of salvation which embraces both suffering and salvation. 

1. Temptations around but grace abounds

Matthew 4:1–11 tells the story of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. As we begin our journey through Lent, this story offers us important and practical lessons.

Firstly, we are reminded of the importance of solitude and self-reflection. Jesus went into the wilderness alone to fast and pray for forty days and forty nights. In today's fast-paced world, we often forget the importance of taking time for ourselves to reflect on our lives, our relationships, and our spiritual journeys. Lent is a time for us to slow down and create space for reflection.

Secondly, we see that temptation is an integral part of the spiritual journey. Satan tempted Jesus with the desires of the flesh, the pride of life, and the lust for power. In our own lives, we are also confronted with similar temptations. Lent is a time for us to confront these temptations head-on and ask for the strength to resist them.

Thirdly, we learn that the Word of God is a powerful weapon against temptation. When Satan tempted Jesus, he responded with Scripture. The Word of God is a source of strength and comfort, and it reminds us of God's love and presence in our lives.

Lastly, we see that Satan's temptation was not just about turning stones into bread, jumping off the pinnacle of the temple, or receiving all the kingdoms of the world. Rather, it was about testing Jesus' relationship with God. Satan wanted Jesus to doubt God's love and provision. In the same way, our own temptations are often rooted in a lack of trust in God's love and provision. Lent is a time for us to deepen our relationship with God and to trust in His goodness and faithfulness.

2. Transgressions lose space before the righteousness 

Romans 5:12–19 speaks of the consequences of Adam's sin and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This passage offers several spiritual reflections as we begin our journey through Lent.

Firstly, we are reminded of the reality of sin and its consequences. Sin entered the world through Adam, and it has had devastating effects on humanity. We are all born with a sinful nature, and we all fall short of the glory of God. Lent is a time for us to reflect on our own sinfulness and the ways in which we have fallen short of God's standards.

Secondly, we see that the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is a free gift of grace. We cannot earn our salvation through our own efforts or good deeds. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be saved. Lent is a time for us to reflect on the gift of salvation and to renew our commitment to follow Jesus.

Thirdly, we learn that just as sin entered the world through one man, so also salvation has come to us through one man, Jesus Christ. Through Adam's sin, death reigned, but through Jesus Christ's obedience, grace reigns. Lent is a time for us to focus on Jesus and to remember the sacrifice He made for us on the cross.

Lastly, we see that the gift of salvation is available to all who believe. Just as sin has affected all of humanity, so also salvation is available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. Lent is a time for us to share the good news of the gospel with those around us and to pray that more people will come to know Jesus as their Savior.

As we begin our journey through Lent, let us take time for reflection, confront our temptations, lean on the Word of God, and deepen our relationship with God.  Let us also see the reality of sin and its consequences, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the importance of focusing on Jesus, and the need to share the good news of the gospel with others. Thus we realize the need for God in our lives. 

Questions for reflections

1. What temptations have I faced recently in my life, and how have I responded to them?
2. What role does solitude and self-reflection play in my spiritual journey, and how can I create more space for reflection in my daily life?
3. How can I rely on the Word of God as a source of strength and comfort in the face of temptation and challenges?
4. How can I deepen my relationship with God during this season of Lent, and how can I trust in His goodness and faithfulness even in difficult times?

Prayer: (based on Psalm 51)

Dear God, we come before you with contrite hearts, recognizing our sinfulness and our need for your mercy and forgiveness. We echo the words of the psalmist, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions."

We ask that you would cleanse us from our sins and wash away all our iniquity. Create in us a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Help us to turn away from our sinful ways and to follow your path of righteousness. We trust in your abundant mercy and unfailing love, knowing that you will not reject a broken and contrite heart. Thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sins on the cross.

May our lives be a reflection of your grace and love, as we seek to live according to your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

24 February 2023