1 Peter 3:18
February 18, 2024
FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT – HUNGER
February 18, 2024
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
The Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1: 12-15
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert,
and he remained in the desert for forty days,
tempted by Satan.
He was among wild beasts,
and the angels ministered to him.
After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
This Sunday, Saint Mark shares the Temptation done by the Devil to Jesus. While in the wilderness for forty days, the Devil tempted Jesus three times. Jesus had the inner strength and wisdom to refuse the earthly temptations. He was not interested in power nor wealth and told the Devil: “One does not live on bread alone, but by every Word that comes forth from the mouth of God… You shall not put the Lord, your God to the Test… Get away, Satan! The Lord, your God shall you worship and Him alone shall you serve.”
Today, we often encounter the same earthly temptations: to have extraordinary abilities, influence/power and wealth. Jesus blocks the Devil’s attempts by resorting to the Word of God. We are called to discern and ask Jesus to keep us strong in the face of temptations by putting our trust in the Heavenly Father. In the midst of challenges, Jesus always chose God’s Word, Will and Ways. This Lent, let us pray, fast and give alms to conquer temptations.
God bless us with wisdom to find strength and light in Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
