The Pastor's Desk

First Sunday of Lent. Year A (Gen. 2:7-9,3: 1-7. Rm. 5: 12-19 Mt: 14:1-11)

Theme: Temptation

We begin our Lenten journey by entering the desert. The desert is not a romantic backdrop but a place that speaks the truth. There the usual supports fall away, and a person must face what lies within: fears, desires, and the parts of life that are easiest to avoid. First reading; In a lush garden, with every need met, the first humans succumb to the temptation to doubt God’s goodness and grasp at autonomy. Their disobedience unleashes sin, shame, fear, and death into the human expe-rience. The Gospel; In a stark desert, hungry and alone, Jesus faces similar core temptations. Yet, he remains perfectly obedient, trusting totally in the Father. His victory breaks the cycle of sin begun by Adam. The second reading; St. Paul provides the theological glue. He explains Adam as a “type” or foreshadowing of Christ. Just as Adam’s one act of disobedience brought condemna-tion to all, Christ’s one act of perfect righteousness brings justification and life to all. The key takeaway is hope: where sin increased, grace overflowed even more. Let us take closer look at the temptations of Jesus; Stones to Bread (Pleasure/Security): A temptation to use his power to satisfy his immediate physical needs and question God’s provision. Jesus responds that true life comes from trusting every word of God Throw Yourself Down (Pride/Spectacle): A temptation to force God’s hand and win popularity through a spectacular display. Jesus refuses to test the Fa-ther’s care. Kingdoms of the World (Power/Idolatry): The ultimate temptation to gain worldly power and success by compromising allegiance to God. Jesus affirms that worship belongs to God alone. We are always tempted but, how can we defeat temptations? Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Let us make this Lenten season a time of renewal and growth as individuals and as All Saints Parish family.

Rev. Barnabas Shayo A.J.- Pastor-All Saints Parish