First Sunday of Lent

Reflection

The readings for this Sunday implore us to call on the Lord and to remember what the Lenten season is all about. In the first reading, we are told the story of God bringing Moses and His people out of Egypt, out of aggression, toil, and oppression, and into a land flowing with milk and honey. When they were being maltreated, they cried to the Lord, and He answered them – we need to remember to call and place our trust in the Lord when we fall upon hard times. In the second reading, Saint Paul explains to the Romans the essential part of our faith. He writes, “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” This continues the theme of calling on the Lord and brings in the aspect of salvation. Then, the Gospel reading reminds us of what out Lenten tradition is built on. The story of Jesus being tempted in the desert and not eating for forty days is the basis for our tradition. The practice of giving something up for forty days is to help us remember this story of how Jesus overcame great temptation. Even when Jesus was malnourished and exhausted from His time in the desert, He was able to overcome each of the devil’s offers and to even refute them with Scripture. So how can we overcome our temptations during this season and prepare for Easter? We need to call on the Lord and not live on bread alone. We must open up to the Scriptures and trust the Lord to guide our lives.

Prayer

Lord, as this Lenten season begins, I pray that I will put my trust in You, and that whenever I am struggling, I will remember Your promise. Help me to live with You and please deliver me from all evil and temptation.

Tim Nagy, ‘15

Scripture

First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 91:1-2, 10-15
Second Reading: Romans 10:8-13

Gospel: Luke 4:1-13 

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website