Lenten Journey - Finding Enormous fidelity of God

First Sunday of Lent: February 22, 2026

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

The Temptation on the Mount by Duccio

The sense of unworthiness before the immensity of God's providence is natural if we look at it with a sense of awe, faith and reverence. The abundance of the mighty creation in which we live is absolutely stunning. When we stand on the seashore and just gaze at the miles and miles of water or raise our eyes to the sky in the night with a bright moon and glittering stars, we quickly realize our smallness and imperfection. What we have around us is nature, forests, waters, rivers, seas, birds, animals, plants and trees, and so many other uncountable things, always enabling us to see the immensity and largeness of God the Creator. In this context, the sense of sin and sinfulness comes into the picture as we begin 40 days of Lenten journey. God continues to shower us with His mercy and compassion, love and forgiveness. 

1. Lent begins not with activity, but with solitude.

The Gospel of Matthew 4:1–11 places us at the threshold of Lent, in the silence of the desert. Before Jesus begins His public ministry, He is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. The First Sunday of Lent invites us to enter that same space—not as spectators, but as pilgrims. The Spirit leads Jesus into the desert. It is striking that temptation is not outside God’s providence. The desert is not a mistake; it is a necessary passage. 

In our lives too, there are seasons of dryness—confusion, unanswered prayers, fatigue, inner struggle. We often want to escape them quickly. But the Gospel suggests that the desert can become a place of revelation. It is where false securities fall away and our deepest loyalties are exposed. It is not simply giving up things. 

2. Lent works out when we listen to God

We see in the Gospel, after forty days of fasting, Jesus is hungry. It is obvious to be so. The tempter comes precisely at that moment of vulnerability. Temptation often meets us where we are weakest—when we are tired, disappointed, or uncertain. Satan finds us in our weakpoints. Therefore, Lent is a time to confront our illusions, to purify our desires and to rediscover that God alone is enough.

The first temptation is about bread: “Turn these stones into loaves.” It sounds reasonable. Yet Jesus refuses to listen and is ready to be hungry. His identity is built on God and God alone. The deeper hunger of the human heart is not for comfort but for communion with God. Lent asks us: What are the “stones” we are tempted to turn into bread? 

3. Lent is built upon God's providence rather than our success stories

The second temptation moves to spectacle: “Throw yourself down.” Jesus refuses. The third temptation is about power: “All these kingdoms I will give you.” It is the temptation of domination, influence, and compromise. The devil offers glory without the cross. Worship without obedience. Success without effort or sacrifice. Jesus answers firmly: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.” True greatness lies not in possessing kingdoms but in serving God alone.

In each temptation, Jesus responds with Scripture. The Word of God is not decorative; it is defensive and life-giving. In times of trial, memory of God’s Word becomes strength. Lent is therefore a season to deepen our intimacy with Scripture, allowing it to shape our instincts and choices. Devil departs and the angels minister to Jesus. Temptation does not have the final word. Fidelity does. The desert is not permanent. Grace sustains those who remain faithful.

Questions for self-reflection

1. Where am I being tempted to choose comfort over trust, spectacle over surrender, power over worship?
2. And in those moments, whose voice do I follow?
3. Where do we look for quick satisfaction instead of trusting God’s word?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, as we begin this sacred journey of Lent, lead us with You into the desert of silence and truth. In moments of temptation, when we are drawn toward comfort, pride, or power, strengthen us with Your Word. Teach us to hunger not only for bread, but for Your presence; not for applause, but for faithfulness; not for control, but for surrender. Purify our hearts, deepen our trust, and help us to worship You alone. May this Lenten season renew our love and make us steadfast in choosing You, today and always. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

19 February 2026