First Sunday of Lent - February 26, 2023

-

Genesis 2: 7-9; 3:1-7 Romans 5:12, 17-19 Matthew 4: 1-1

As I reflect on today’s readings, I am reminded that every human carries the breath of God – not just physically, but also spiritually. We live because God wills it, and each of us can experience real life through his Son, Jesus Christ. 

These readings also demonstrate the spiritual battle of temptation. The Oxford Dictionary defines “temptation” as “the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.” When faced with temptation, how often do we rely on God’s word and trust that it’s for our own goodness, just as Jesus did in today’s Gospel? Or instead, do we choose to hide from God and make decisions based on temptation or what we feel is right?

I think about how often I am faced with daily temptations and the desire to choose what I feel is right (or easy), rather than leaning on Scripture and God’s will for me. Today I’m reminded of the strength the Word of God gives us during moments of temptation.

Building strength for our most vulnerable moments requires intentionality, diligence, and patience. I’m writing this on New Year’s Day, which is timely as I reflect on 2022 and focus on the new year ahead. For me, meditating on these readings has provided inspiration and hope, while reminding me of the power of Scripture.

During this season of Lent (and beyond), may we take time to focus on God’s Word for guidance and food for our soul. While it’s easy to succumb to life’s daily chaos, it’s my hope that today’s readings offer inspiration to lean on God’s Word in a way that leads to a more spiritually enriched life.

Q: How can I lean on Scripture to give me strength during my most vulnerable times? What will put me on the best spiritual path as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) - April 7, 2023

-
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1—19:42  Every morning when I go to Mass and the Priest asks for our intentions for the day, my response is for “wisdom, courage, comfort and trust.” Wisdom to fi gure out the answer, the courage to carry it out, and the comfort that it is the best solution and the trust to know God is guiding us in the best way. When I read the Psalms for today, I was taken back by David’s trust in the Lord to guide him and keep him safe. “In you, Lord, I take refuge”  A good friend coined this prayer when I was helping my parents navigate through my brother’s cancer. He passed away, but I continue to take comfort in those words and try daily to TRUST. Many people have commented on how they appreciate that petition so I continue to pray it.  There are big things and little things that come into our lives that require us to trust as David did. Some things are as small as smiling at the person at the traffic light or as big as standing up for another’s r
Read more

Monday of the First Week of Lent - March 11, 2019

-
Leviticus19:1-2, 11-18  Matthew 25:31-46 As I read my assignment for today, I felt relief. I knew these readings; I could relate to them. I had heard them multiple times and thought that I understood them well. The first reading from Leviticus tells me to love my neighbor as myself and to judge my neighbor justly. I know this! I believe this in my head! I often find it difficult to carry out, but I do believe it. Today’s gospel, Matthew 25, many of us know well through readings, songs, and social concerns committees, "Whatever you do for one of the least of …mine, you do to me." Feed the hungry; give drink to the thirsty; welcome the stranger; clothe the naked; comfort the sick; visit the prisoner. We try to do these things in our life. I decided to read our parish book, Stranger God by Richard Beck, to see how it could expand my understanding of Matthew 25 – and expand it did! After I read the book, I realized that I had been reading Matthew 25 literally.
Read more

Monday of Holy Week - April 3, 2023

-
Isaiah 42:1-7 John 12:1-11  One of my New Year’s resolutions is to be more mindful about how I spend my time. When we started having kids, everyone was always telling us, “enjoy it while it lasts because they grow up so fast!” I’d look at my tiny baby and think, yeah okay, we’ve got a long way to go. Fast forward 6 years, we have a kindergartener, and I am constantly asking myself, “where did the time go!?!?”  This Gospel is a reminder to me that I need to take advantage of every moment just as Mary decided to take advantage of that special moment with Jesus when she anointed his feet. It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life and fi nd ourselves just going through the motions without putting much thought into the importance of our actions. When I am at church, am I really present? I often fi nd that my focus is on how my children are behaving and if they are disturbing the people around us. When I am at home, am I making the most of my time with my family? Sadly,
Read more