Weekly Reflection - First Sunday of Lent (2024)

"The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days." (Mk. 1:12)

This is the First Sunday of Lent.  The Holy Spirit leads Jesus out into the desert after his Baptism.  Jesus who was without sin went out to do combat with the evil one to teach us how to overcome temptation in our own lives.  God doesn't tempt us but allows us to be tempted.  Many times we fail to understand its place in our spiritual lives.

There is a difference between feeling the temptation and giving into it.  The temptation helps me to grow in virtue.  If I am tempted frequently it is because I need to grow stronger. It's not uncommon to hear, "I always lose my patience on the road."  These are the crosses that we can embrace with more intentionality this Lent.

Questions for Reflection: 

• Can I make the distinction between feeling a temptation and giving in? 
• Do I play with temptation by not avoiding the near occasion of sin? 
• Do I pray and practice vigilance in order to overcome it?