First Sunday of Lent - Year A

A SINGLE RIGHTEOUS ACT

Paul gives his explanation of what the Church would later call "Original Sin". The selfishness of Adam, the first human, brought about a pollution of the human race. The result of this sin was death for all who followed Adam. Even those who did not commit a serious sin suffered from the corruption of humanity. Paul suggests that Jesus is the new Adam. His unselfish death on the cross has removed the effects of the sin of Adam. Paul uses the term "just" to refer to the right (or correct) relationship with God that has been restored by Jesus

SATAN: THE TEMPTER

Before he begins his public ministry, Jesus makes a religious retreat in the desert. The vast emptiness allows him to fully commune with his Father. He is not alone, however. Satan comes to tempt his human nature. The word "Satan" means "adversary" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Satan was believed to be an agent of God. His mission was to test human beings to strengthen their faith. Eventually he was seen as the ultimate adversary, the temptor of all humanity. He came to be known as the "Devil," from a Greek word that means "one who slanders".
Jesus submits to this temptation to teach us how to avoid our own enticements. We must be steadfast in our resolution to follow the way of the cross, no matter how alluring is the easy way through life.

 

Related: Resources on Sunday Readings - Clipart, homelies, articles, coloring pages, music: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

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