Each year as we begin the holy season of Lent, the Gospel proclamation for the first Sunday is always the narrative of Jesus going into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. Whether it is Matthew, Mark, or Luke, we hear the dramatic story of Jesus facing various temptations of fame and power. In all three Gospel accounts, the Spirit plays a prominent role.
This scene is strategically placed immediately before the start of Jesus’ public ministry. It is as if Jesus is being prompted by the Holy Spirit to make a retreat in the desert to face His own demons to prepare Himself for the ministry that lies ahead. During this time away in seclusion and solitude, Jesus fasted for 40 days and although it does not say it explicitly, I think we can presume that Jesus also prayed. This desert experience seems to give Jesus fortitude and strength to begin His ministry to God’s people.
It is fairly obvious why this Gospel narrative is proclaimed each year as we begin Lent: we are invited to imitate Jesus in fasting and prayer for 40 days and to face the various temptations in our own lives. Perhaps one of the hardest elements of the spiritual life is to know then admit one’s sin. In today’s creation account, Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened and they realized their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit. They understood their sin in the consequence that resulted. Perhaps during these 40 days, we can discover our own sins so we can approach God seeking forgiveness. Through this, we will experience again the mercy of God expressed in the ministry of Jesus.
Prayer
Almighty God, help us live through these 40 days of fasting and prayer with discipline and fervor so that we can know our own sins and be reconciled with You. Amen.
Fr. Brian Cummings, S.S.E. ‘86, Director of Edmundite Campus Ministry
First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17
Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
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