Homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent, Year A

Gen. 2:7-9; 3: 1-7       Rom. 5:12-19            Mat. 4: 1-11

Theme: A Call to a New Beginning

On this first Sunday of Lent, we are reminded of the main objective of our 40 days of fasting and abstinence; that is, to reconcile with God, our neighbours and ourselves. This calls for deep sober reflection on our part, in other to retrace our steps and go back to God in humility, begging for his forgiveness and mercy. This is the character of the season of Lent. As such, in our readings today, we are presented with the opportunity to reflect on some important issues, such as; sin, disobedience and temptation.

 

In our first reading we heard about the cause of man’s fall; that is, disobedience, and how this act destroyed the bond of love that existed between humanity and God. In the same way, we break the bond of love that exists between us and God when we sin and disobey him. The season of Lent is an opportunity for the children of God to mend our broken relationship with God that we have caused because of our disobedience. It is an invitation for us to right the wrongs in our lives and be reunited with God. Interestingly, because of God’s love for his children, he decided to give us another chance of righting our wrongs by sending his Son Jesus Christ to change the narratives of our lives. This is what St. Paul presents to us in the second reading. God sent his obedient son Jesus Christ to come and bring liberation and salvation to us his children. The first Adam led us to sin through his disobedience and the second Adam who is Jesus Christ, brought us salvation through his obedience to God his Father. The coming of Jesus remedied the bad situation that was created by our first parents. This goes to show us the importance of being obedient to God.

 

Obedience to God attracts His blessings upon our lives; while disobedience to God separate us from him, just like in the case of Adam and Eve. Sin breaks our relationship with God and acts as a barrier in our union with him. Therefore, let us resolve today to stay away from sin by being obedient to God’s commands. Though we are tempted by the world around to disobey God’s commands but let us learn from Jesus who was tempted three times by the devil, and he conquered three times. He did not fall, unlike in the case of our first parents who fell. My brothers and sisters in Christ, this goes to show us that we will always encounter temptations in our daily lives, but we must stand firm with God in obedience; just like Jesus did. In our daily lives we encounter different temptations, and the season of Lent challenges us to be steadfast and conquer them. This is made possible through our practice of self-denial, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, sacrifices and the fear of God. It is my prayer that God will grant us the graces we need to be always obedient to him. Amen. Peace be with you!

 

 

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