13 Mar
Sun
1st Sunday of Lent (A)
Gen. 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Ps. 50(51):3-4,5-6,12-13, 14,17
Rom. 5:12-19
Mt. 4:1-11
(Ps Wk I)
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Today's Gospel story follows immediately on Jesus' baptism and endorsement by his Father as his "Beloved Son" to whom we are to listen. Note that Jesus is led into the desert by the Spirit of God. The purpose clearly is not to lead him to do evil but as a testing of his fitness for his coming mission. Each of the three temptations touches on Jesus' identity as the Son of God, which had been revealed during his baptism. "This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." It is important to realise that all temptations - and these tests are no exception - come to us under the guise of some kind of goodness. In each of the three tests today, Jesus is being led on to do something which would seem to enhance his mission as Lord and Saviour. In fact, these three tests are really symbols of real tests that we find in the life of Jesus. Jesus did produce large quantities of bread on two occasions but not for himself but rather to feed the hungry. He rejected calls from his opponents to prove who he was by performing some striking signs. After one of the feedings (as told in John's gospel), he had the crowd at his feet and they wanted to make him king. Instead, he fled to the mountains to pray to his Father and packed his ambitious disciples off in a boat and into a storm which gave them something else to think about - survival.

The way of the Father is the only way that will lead him - and us - to the life that never ends and when all tears will be wiped away.



Lead us not into temptation. Amen.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the nations of Latin America may walk in fidelity to the Gospel and progress in justice and peace.
Elaboration

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