First Reading - Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Second Reading - Romans 10:8-13
Gospel - Luke 4:1-13
The first reading from Deuteronomy presents an act of thanksgiving. The Israelites, after being freed from slavery in Egypt, are called to remember God’s goodness by offering the first fruits of their land. This ritual is not just about giving something to God but about acknowledging that everything they have comes from Him. It reminds us that gratitude is a powerful weapon against temptation. When we recognize that all we have is a gift from God, we are less likely to be deceived by the false promises of the world.
The second reading from Romans emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Christ. Paul tells us that if we confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. This is not just a matter of words but a call to live out our faith. True belief transforms our actions, guiding us to trust in God rather than in our own strength. It reminds us that no one who trusts in the Lord will be put to shame.
The Gospel presents the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. After fasting for forty days, Jesus is hungry and vulnerable. The devil takes this opportunity to tempt Him with food, power, and a test of God's protection. These temptations are not just about Jesus; they reflect the struggles we face every day.
The first temptation—turning stones into bread—represents our desire for material things. The devil wants Jesus to prioritize physical needs over spiritual trust in God. How often do we focus only on our physical and material well-being while neglecting our relationship with God? Jesus responds with Scripture, reminding us that true life comes from the Word of God, not just from satisfying our earthly desires.
The second temptation—offering Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship—represents the temptation of power and control. Many times, we are tempted to compromise our values for success, influence, or recognition. Jesus rejects this, teaching us that only God deserves our worship and that true greatness comes from serving Him.
The third temptation—asking Jesus to throw Himself down from the temple and let the angels catch Him—represents the temptation to test God. How often do we demand signs from God to prove His love for us? Jesus refuses to manipulate His relationship with the Father, showing us that true faith does not require constant proof but rests in trust and obedience.
These temptations reveal the strategies of the enemy. He tries to weaken our faith by making us focus on our immediate needs, our thirst for power, and our doubts about God’s care. But Jesus shows us the way to victory: through prayer, fasting, and the Word of God. Lent is a time to follow this example—to resist temptation, deepen our trust in God, and grow in holiness.
Let us ask for the strength to overcome our own temptations, to put God first in all things, and to trust in His love and mercy. May this season of Lent be a time of true renewal, drawing us closer to the Lord in faith and obedience.
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