Father Michael Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 (edited) February 18th, 2024 First Sunday of Lent Jesus is led into the desert to pray, and is tempted. Message from Father †Michael Today’s Theme: “Overcoming the Powers of Evil” Reflections on Today’s Scripture Note: Throughout the Lenten Season, our First Readings, from the Old Testament, will focus on salvation history as a prelude to God’s redemption of man through Christ. The Second Readings serve to advise believers as to their place in that saving act. The Gospel Readings highlight certain events highlighting God’s presence in Jesus’ life and ministry. (Genesis 9:8-15) God established His friendship covenant with Noah and his descendants, after the Flood. His giving and forgiving are beautiful tangible to us when we view the multicolored arc of the rainbow splashed across the sky—reminding us of another “ark” and the saving love it signified. ~~~ (1 Peter 3:18-22) †Peter explains how the waters of Noah’s Flood prefigured the waters of Baptism, through which we are saved today—acting at once as a washing of sin and flood of life and grace. ~~~ (Mark 1:12-15) Jesus’ spent forty days in the desert, after His baptism by †John, in the Jordan. During this time, Satan repeatedly tempted Him, but to no avail. Temptation passes, but its consequences—our choices and decisions—remain. Because of the strength and power of Jesus’ living, redeeming Word, our forgiveness, and His loving kindness are accessible to us. ~~~ Like Us, In All Things, But Sin Compassion is not learned without suffering. Unless we have suffered, we don’t really understand what it is to be compassionate, nor can we comfort someone who is suffering. Unless we have cried, we can’t dry the tears of others. Unless we have walked in darkness, we can’t help wanderers find their way. When we have suffered, we can become pathfinders for others. Jesus identifies with us—He is like is in all things, and all ways—except for sin. He was tempted as we are tempted. He was not immune to suffering, hurt and disappointment. He deigned to taste of human triumph, failure and death. He rejected none of our joys—He only rejected sin. This is the most profound mystery of God’s love for us. Jesus was wholly human, but that doesn’t mean He was merely human. That He was without sin did not imply any lack of humanity in Him. Sin is not an intrinsic ingredient of being human—quite the contrary: sin is a fall from humanity! Otherwise, He shared our weakness and our temptation. Because He, Himself, has been through temptation, Jesus understands us, and is able to help us. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that we will have mercy from Him and find grace, in our times of need. The Meaning of Lent Lent touches something in each one of us. Reading of how Jesus prayed in the desert, and was tempted by Satan, moves us all. But it also forces us to look into our own lives, challenging us to improve. However, often our efforts at renewal don’t go deep enough…. If we want a new garment, we must cast aside the old one; wearing a new garment involves a new way of living. If we wish to change the outer aspects of our lives, we must first change the inner attitudes of our minds. Change requires substituting new habits for old ones. It calls us to command ourselves and make ourselves do what needs to be done. The change of heart to which Lent calls us can be accomplished most of all through the power of meditative prayer. Even though repentance and prayer are always appropriate, they are especially so during this penitential season. There is such a thing as a moment of “spring.” During it, ancient catechumens were prepared for Baptism—their rebirth in Christ. Modern converts to Catholicism also do this, similarly. Lent is a time for penance and effort; but it also is a time of great joy. It is like springtime, in which we progress toward the Easter sun, getting brighter and warmer, as we approach. What we must do is turn from power to love—"be kind; act justly; and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8.) When we do, our Blessed Lord will help us let go the “rags” of sin, so He may clothe us in the newness of life! May God Richly Bless You! Come, Ye Sinners.docx You can view a recording of today's Holy mass, here: Edited February 17 by Father Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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