Sunday 26 February 2023
1st Sunday of Lent
Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned – Psalm 50(51):3-6, 12-14, 17. Romans 5:12-19. Matthew 4:1-11.
Our response to temptation
Today’s readings discuss sin and sinfulness. The first reading reminds us that our tendency to sin has been with us since the beginning of time. It is a turning away from God. It is our need for control. It is our pride.
In the Gospel reading, we see that Jesus was also tested by sin. Being tempted to sin is part of being human, morality comes in how we choose to respond to temptation.
The concept of sin is not really in fashion at the moment. These days, the idea of ‘sin’ and ‘temptation’ is merely a sexy way to sell ice-cream. But what about the more mundane sins in my life? When I fail to take care of myself and end up snapping at my family? When I shut God out and indulge in total control? I will always be tempted to fall back into my regular patterns of sin. To be like Christ is to remember that I can say ‘no’ to the serpent.
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