FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT A
HE IS OUR VICTORY
Mt 4: 1-11
At the start of this year, we were saddened by the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s death, though it was expected of the old man. A day after that, the superior of Carmelite nuns informed me that my spiritual sister also succumbed to a lingering illness. The next day, my close friend and supporter was wheeled to the hospital for his last earthly voyage.
At times, it makes us think why there still has to be this legacy of death, of sickness, of corruption, of weakness and pain? The first reading attempts to explain that the root of all these was in the infidelity of our first parents. St John Paul II spoke of the mystery of evil that entered the world through sin. Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that of all the mysteries of faith and life, original sin is one that needs no explanation for it is so obvious in its effects.
We open the Lent this year witnessing how the Lord Jesus himself contended with evil in the desert. He was continually tempted. And we know how complex temptation is; it is not easy to refuse. It offers a promise of pleasure but ends up in the disaster of separation from God, self and others. To be tested in our weakness is not a joke; as they say: the struggle is real!
Just barely two months ago, we reveled in Christmas joy, the joy of the Incarnation. Today we understand the gravity of God’s decision to become human. He embraced a humanity that is susceptible to weakness, to sickness, to confusion, to mistakes, to sin. Like us, Jesus endured a lifelong battle against temptation and sin. Yes, he never fell into sin, but this combat led him to his death.
In the end, the devil left and the angels came to serve the Lord. We must not forget that in spite of the fact that sin and evil have entered the world, there is a mystery even greater. Jesus is the light in the darkness. Jesus is the balm to soothe the pain. Jesus is the anchor amidst confusion. Jesus is the rock in the face of weakness. He does not give us the solution to all the problems of life but he provides the hope that with faith and trust, with loyalty and fidelity to him, we will overcome. This is most true of the reality of sin.
As we enter Lent, let us pray for the grace to triumph over the weakness of flesh and spirit. Let us pray for conversion from our sins. Let us pray for courage to face our struggles armed with faith and hope in the Lord.
#ourparishpriest 2023
