Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17
Rom 5:12-19
Mt 4:1-11
Lent is often seen as a somber season of restriction, but it is actually a journey of liberation. It is an honest look at the habits that hold us back and an invitation to step into the life of freedom Christ offers.
The story of Adam and Eve in Genesis isn't just an ancient tale; it’s a mirror of our daily lives. Their struggle wasn't just about a piece of fruit—it was the desire to "be like God," to decide for themselves what is right and wrong without regard for the truth.
Whenever we choose our ego over our values, we experience a "disconnection" from God, from others, and even from ourselves.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul contrasts two paths. If Adam represents our human tendency to stumble, Jesus represents our potential to rise. Paul emphasizes that while one mistake had a ripple effect of brokenness, one act of perfect love (Jesus’ obedience) has a tidal wave effect of healing. You are not defined by your worst moments. Because of Jesus, "Grace" is the final word on your life, not "Sin."
The Gospel shows us Jesus in the wilderness, facing the same categories of temptation we face today:
• Turning stones to bread - that is using our gifts only to satisfy our immediate cravings. • Jumping from the temple – risking everything for the sake of "likes," approval, or testing God's love.
• Ruling the kingdoms – taking the "shortcut" to success at the cost of our integrity.
Lent is not about "white knuckling" your way to holiness through willpower. Jesus shows us that we need a strategy. This year, let us think of the traditional Lenten practices as spiritual exercises:
• Prayer is the anchor; it grounds our identity. It reminds us that I am a child of God before I am my job title or my mistakes.
• Fasting: by saying "no" to a physical craving (like food, social media, or complaining), we strengthen our ability to say "yes" to our spirit.
• Jesus used the Word of God as His defense. Reading the Bible helps us recognize the "lies" of temptation when they arise.
• Generosity breaks the power of selfishness. It forces us to look outward and see the needs of others.
• Confession is not about shame; it’s about clearing the air. It’s the "delete" button for the guilt that weighs us down.
The Season of Lent is not about "beating ourselves up." It is about letting God’s love and mercy draw us closer to the person we were created to be. And let us remember: God’s grace is always larger than our failures.