1^st Sunday of Lent, Year C

Deuteronomy 26:4-10       Romans 10:8-13     Luke 4:1-13

Theme: Union with God

Today is the first Sunday of lent. An opportunity is presented to us by the church to re-unite ourselves with God. The season of lent is a season of God’s abundant grace to his people. The three readings today remind us about the need for us to remember our earthly origin, no matter how much we are tempted to forget, because of the situation we find ourselves in life.  In our Gospel reading of today, Jesus shows us that you must not allow the challenges of life to lead you into what you know is not good and right. He remained resolute and did not fall for the temptation of the devil.

In the first reading, we see how God intervened in the situation of the Israelites and changed their situation. The narrative changed because of God’s love for his people and the fact that the Israelites professed their faith in God. It is very important at the beginning of this Lenten season that we emulate the Israelites by resolving to make a journey of faith with the Lord. He has never disappointed all those who journey with him. The question today is, are we ready to make this journey with the Lord; not minding the difficulties and challenges we may encounter? A life of prayer, fasting and almsgiving; will play a great role towards making us better Christians.

In the second reading, St Paul gives us an insight into what it means to be a true Christian. He points out the fact that our faith in God must be reflected in the harmony between our words and actions. This is very important, if we truly want to better our lives and impact positively in the lives of those who encounter us in our daily lives. The true test of our discipleship yields a lot of fruits when our words are seen by people in our actions and way of life. This is a great challenge in our world today. What we preach to people, we must practice in our personal life. Anything short of that will make little or no impact in both our lives and in the lives of those who encounter us daily. Jesus is inviting us, to take up our cross daily and follow him. Let us accept this wonderful invitation from Jesus and make this year’s Lenten season a unique one in our lives. This is a season of grace and a call to repentance. It is a privileged opportunity for us to change the narrative of our lives and make it better. It is a season of conversion, purification, renewal and transformation.

Dearly beloved in Christ, our lives’ is a journey, and the season of Lent helps us to model them after that of Jesus Christ. This can be achieved through our spoken words and character. Jesus has given us a direction and guide that will lead us to our desired goal of becoming a good Christian and making salvation at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. The temptation of Jesus Christ in the Gospel shows us that our lives cannot be devoid of it; especially as people who are struggling to be on the side of God. Never allow any challenge or difficulty you encounter in life to lead you away from the path that leads to salvation. This is because every challenge or difficulty we encounter in our lives, is temporal and does not remain permanent. It is fleeting and will end in praise of God if we remain steadfast. Every temptation that we overcome strengthens our faith in God. If we are alive, we cannot run away from temptations. But don’t be scared; trust God and it will always end to the glory of God.  Peace be with you!