26 THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT We do not fast on the Sundays of Lent. Why would that be, when Jesus fasted forty days in the desert without interruption? This is because of the great Easter event, which took place on a Sunday. This blessed day reminds us each week of the light of the Resurrection that illuminates the season of Lent. Remember that you are in the presence of the Lord: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Year A First Sunday of Lent A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew: At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” He said in reply, “It is written: One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” (Matthew 4 :1-7) Every day, we face temptations. We are tempted to give in to malice, jealousy, lying, and more. By saying no to these temptations, we grow stronger, and it becomes easier to reject sin! In today’s reading, we saw Jesus oppose the devil with wisdom and faith in God. Let us follow his example and ask for his help!
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