1st Sunday Lent

Year C 8/3/2025

We all want to prove ourselves and show that we are capable of fulfilling our responsibilities. Jesus did this by going off into the desert to be alone with his Father. The trials he faced tested his character, his loyalty and his resolve over a long period of time. He came to his Father with nothing, willing to place his life fully into his Father’s hands. Looking back in scripture, Jesus’ experience in the desert finds a parallel in the story of Adam and Eve who were tempted in a life-filled, beautiful garden, they failed while Jesus, who is tempted in a barren wilderness, prevails. In the exodus, the people of Israel travelled 40 years across a desert but repeatedly failed to remain faithful. Yet, despite all their failures, they encountered a God who remained steadfast and their failures ultimately helped form them into a people of faith.

Any journey we make with God will include the presence of the Holy Spirit who continually watches over us, nudging us here and there in the right direction, but often quietly and gently guides us. The gospel recognises that both the Spirit and the Father were close to Jesus throughout his life but they reveal their presence in a special way as Jesus prepares for his active apostolate in the wilderness. The presence of the Holy Spirit with Jesus also shows us that temptation is not a sign that we are outside God’s will but that it is often a necessary step in our spiritual journey. The Spirit does not remove trials or make them easier but offers Jesus the help he needs to see him through them.

Jesus’ temptations also give us an insight into how the Devil subtly twists the truth choosing to offer scripture out of context, as seen in the second temptation, mirroring the way he deceived Eve in Genesis 3: "Did God really say…?"

Jesus realised that being asked to turn stones to bread was a test of how he would use his power. Would he use it for himself or trust fully that the Father would provide all that he needed to fulfil his mission. Jesus went on to show that he would always put his Father first even during his crucifixion. “Not my will but thine!” he said.

Similarly, he rejected being given power and authority over kingdoms and taking the easy path to kingship. He chose the cross instead. Nor did Jesus need to test the Father’ love for him by throwing Himself off the top of the temple. Jesus fully trusted his Father to stand by him no matter what.

The way Jesus uses scripture in response to the wiliness of the devil can inspire us to face our temptations by finding help in the words of scripture and inviting the Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide us. This also helps us understand the importance of prayer in our Lenten journey. Although the Devil steps back after the temptations, there would have been many more days, if not every day, when one or all of the three temptations would not return and demand a renewal of faith and resolve from Jesus. Temptation is never just a one-time event but a recurring challenge.

We also learn that, although Jesus is physically weak from fasting, he remains spiritually strong.

It is because of his complete trust in his Father and the Holy Spirit that he is able to claim ultimate victory, not by using worldly power but through his complete surrender on the cross.

by Fr Thomas O'Brien a.a