Dear brothers and sisters, as we enter this holy season of Lent, we are invited to reflect on our journey of faith, to examine our hearts, and to draw closer to God. The readings today remind us of God’s saving power, the importance of faith, and the reality of temptation. They call us to trust in God’s providence and to resist the temptations that try to pull us away from Him.
The first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy presents a powerful testimony of God’s saving love. The Israelites recall their history—how their ancestors were oppressed in Egypt, how they cried out to the Lord, and how He delivered them with great signs and wonders. As a response, they offer the first fruits of the land in thanksgiving. This passage reminds us that Lent is not only a time of penance but also a time to remember God’s faithfulness in our lives. Like the Israelites, we are called to reflect on our own personal journey. Where have we seen God’s hand at work? Have we been grateful for His blessings? Lent is an opportunity to acknowledge that all we have comes from God and to return to Him with a heart full of gratitude and trust.
In the second reading, St. Paul speaks about the power of faith. He tells us that salvation is near, that it is in our mouths and in our hearts. All who believe in Christ and confess Him as Lord will be saved. This is a call to deepen our faith, to trust in God’s promises, and to proclaim Him in our daily lives.
During Lent, we are invited to strengthen our relationship with Christ. This is a season of renewal—a time to go beyond external practices and focus on the interior transformation of our hearts. Do we truly believe that Jesus is Lord? Do our words and actions reflect that belief? St. Paul reassures us that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This should fill us with hope and encourage us to turn to God with confidence, knowing that He never rejects a sincere heart.
The Gospel today recounts the temptation of Jesus in the desert. After fasting for forty days, Jesus faces three temptations from the devil. Each one is a test of His trust in God and His mission.
The first temptation is to turn stones into bread. Jesus is hungry, and the devil tries to convince Him to use His divine power for personal gain. But Jesus responds, “One does not live on bread alone.” This reminds us that while our physical needs are important, our spiritual nourishment is even greater. In our own lives, we are often tempted to prioritize material things over our relationship with God. Lent calls us to refocus on what truly sustains us—the Word of God.
The second temptation is a temptation of power and glory. The devil offers Jesus dominion over all the kingdoms of the world if He worships him. Jesus rejects this, declaring, “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and Him alone shall you serve.” This challenges us to reflect on where we place our trust. Do we seek security in worldly success, or do we put God first? Lent is a time to renew our devotion to the Lord and to serve Him above all else.
The third temptation is to test God’s protection by throwing Himself from the temple. Jesus refuses, saying, “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” This reminds us that faith is not about demanding signs from God but about trusting in His will. In difficult times, do we surrender to God’s plan, or do we try to control everything? Lent invites us to trust more deeply in God’s love and providence.
The season of Lent is a time of purification and renewal. Like Jesus, we may face temptations, but He has shown us the way to overcome them—through prayer, fasting, and the Word of God. As we embark on this forty-day journey, let us commit ourselves to deepening our faith, resisting sin, and drawing closer to the Lord. May this Lent be a time of true conversion so that we may celebrate the joy of Easter with renewed hearts.