Francois Shamavu
We are celebrating today the first Sunday of Lent, year B. The Lenten journey that we have just begun is a time during which we renew our baptismal commitments as well as our respect for life and creation. We try to express this desire through prayer, almsgiving and fasting. And our path to Easter involves personal renewal and that of the entire creation in the blood of the Glorious Cross.
In the first reading, the story of Noah relates the beauty of creation that is, at the same time, prey to violence and sin. The flood then becomes a sign of baptism which swallows up sin and purifies the earth of violence and iniquity. It is the death of sin. Water swallows up everything that alters creation. After the flood, a new alliance between God and man was established. And at once God promised never to touch human life again and decided to respect creation. We have to do the same: no longer killing of any human being but respect for the creation.
In the second reading we see how Christ, who suffered for us, still want to lead us to God. He who is Just, does not hesitate to suffer for the unjust. It was intense suffering but it saved us once and for all. What prevents us from doing like Jesus: suffering for the cause of the poor, of those who always feel terribly devastated by war (which more often is imposed unjustly on them) and famine, of those who are daily victims of injustice and contempt.
In the gospel, we are called to freedom in the Spirit. The temptations of Jesus took place in the desert, after the baptism in the Jordan. He was tempted for 40 days as Saint Mark related in his gospel. (in the other gospels of Matthew and Luke, the temptations lasted one day). The attitude of Jesus is a testimony and treasure that every Christian should acquire. He does not give in to temptation. This Lenten season also becomes a time of desert for us as Christians. It is a moment that reminds us that we are free in Jesus and that we must strengthen our alliance with him, meet him, have a personal experience of him. It also means facing with determination the temptations of this world. The Good News of God accompanies us and guides our actions. It is accomplished and incarnated in the person of Christ.
Let us be attentive especially when we are going through the time of trial. The force of evil exists. The devil presents evil actions to us as if they were good, he pushes us to do evil things and suggests reasons to justify our sins. Let us remain vigilant, pray and avoid as much as possible opportunities to sin. If we fall, let us remember to always resort to the confession. If we overcome temptations, let us not boast, but give thanks to God. May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us, so that we may have the strength to overcome our daily temptations.
We are celebrating today the first Sunday of Lent, year B. The Lenten journey that we have just begun is a time during which we renew our baptismal commitments as well as our respect for life and creation. We try to express this desire through prayer, almsgiving and fasting. And our path to Easter involves personal renewal and that of the entire creation in the blood of the Glorious Cross.
In the first reading, the story of Noah relates the beauty of creation that is, at the same time, prey to violence and sin. The flood then becomes a sign of baptism which swallows up sin and purifies the earth of violence and iniquity. It is the death of sin. Water swallows up everything that alters creation. After the flood, a new alliance between God and man was established. And at once God promised never to touch human life again and decided to respect creation. We have to do the same: no longer killing of any human being but respect for the creation.
In the second reading we see how Christ, who suffered for us, still want to lead us to God. He who is Just, does not hesitate to suffer for the unjust. It was intense suffering but it saved us once and for all. What prevents us from doing like Jesus: suffering for the cause of the poor, of those who always feel terribly devastated by war (which more often is imposed unjustly on them) and famine, of those who are daily victims of injustice and contempt.
In the gospel, we are called to freedom in the Spirit. The temptations of Jesus took place in the desert, after the baptism in the Jordan. He was tempted for 40 days as Saint Mark related in his gospel. (in the other gospels of Matthew and Luke, the temptations lasted one day). The attitude of Jesus is a testimony and treasure that every Christian should acquire. He does not give in to temptation. This Lenten season also becomes a time of desert for us as Christians. It is a moment that reminds us that we are free in Jesus and that we must strengthen our alliance with him, meet him, have a personal experience of him. It also means facing with determination the temptations of this world. The Good News of God accompanies us and guides our actions. It is accomplished and incarnated in the person of Christ.
Let us be attentive especially when we are going through the time of trial. The force of evil exists. The devil presents evil actions to us as if they were good, he pushes us to do evil things and suggests reasons to justify our sins. Let us remain vigilant, pray and avoid as much as possible opportunities to sin. If we fall, let us remember to always resort to the confession. If we overcome temptations, let us not boast, but give thanks to God. May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us, so that we may have the strength to overcome our daily temptations.