1st Sunday of Lent Year B

Readings: Genesis 9:8-15 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:12-15

Theme: Newness of life

The three readings we have on this 1st Sunday of Lent, points out the newness of life that the coming of Christ and God’s love for his people has brought to humanity. In the 1st reading from the Book of Genesis, after God had destroyed the world with flood because of sin, he is starting afresh with Noah and all that was preserved in the Ark. It was a new beginning, and God entered into a covenant with humanity. A covenant that will bring forth newness of life and the fulfilment of Gods desired plan for his people. Just like every other covenant that God has made with his people; he is ever faithful to his covenant. A very important question we need to ask ourselves today is; are we equally faithful to the covenant we have entered into with God; especially during the reception of the Sacraments? The season of Lent presents us the opportunity to retrace our steps and do the needful in our life and call to discipleship.

The practice of prayer, fasting and almsgiving during this season of lent is a move towards the right direction, as we embrace Gods call to repentance in the Gospel reading for this Sunday. Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days and was tempted by Satan and he came out victorious. It is taking fore- granted that Jesus went to the wilderness to commune with his heavenly Father. In the same way my brothers and sisters in Christ, make the 40 days of lent a prayerful one for you and your loved ones. It is a season of God’s grace and an opportunity for us to embrace the newness of life that God is presenting to us during this season of lent. It is a life that will draw us closer to God and also grant us the grace to be true signs of God’s presence among his people. There may be challenges on our way, just like Jesus in the wilderness with Satan, but we must remain steadfast if we want to be victorious like Jesus. He says my grace is sufficient for you; he is ever faithful to his word, because faithfulness is in his nature.

In the 2nd reading from 1 Peter, it points out the fact that Christ died for sinful humanity that he might reconcile us with God. Through baptism we are given a new life in Christ that empowers and strengthens us to be true children of God. Dear friends in Christ, let us embrace the invitation presented to us on this 1st Sunday of Lent to embrace newness of life. A call that challenges us to live a life that glorifies God in all that we do. Humanly speaking, it may sound impossible, but with God everything is possible. Let us do our best and allow God to complete the good work he has started in our life.

May God grant us the grace to have a fruitful Lenten season. Peace be with you. Amen.

 

 

Homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent Year B, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp