Sunday, March 9, 2025
Many years ago, before getting married, my wife and I met Father Daniel, a young priest and friend from Flushing, NY, to discuss our upcoming wedding ceremony. As he arrived, it was clear that Father was perturbed. He recounted that earlier that morning, he presided over the funeral of a five-year-old girl who was tragically struck and killed by a car. Father had trouble making sense of the untimely death of an innocent child and consoling her family, members of his parish. Some of us experience unspeakable tragedies or misfortunes and wonder, why? Can God be testing our faith? In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to petition the Lord, “lead us not into temptation.” Does God tempt us?
God does not tempt anyone to sin, the Bible is clear on this. St. James states, “No one experiencing temptation should say, “I am being tempted by God”; for God is not subject to temptation to evil, and he himself tempts no one.” —James 1:13. Rather, God permits these temptations to occur as they test our faithfulness and devotion to Him. “When we say ‘lead us not into temptation’ we are asking God not to allow us to take the path that leads to sin. This petition implores the Spirit of discernment and strength; it requests the grace of vigilance and final perseverance.” —Catechism §2863. Free will is central to our humanity, for we have the capacity to choose between good and evil and between obeying and disobeying God. God allows the good and pious to be tempted but does not turn away from them. He provides the grace to resist temptations which can lead to spiritual maturity and deeper reliance on His grace. Every Christian faces a struggle with temptation as part of their spiritual journey. We are encouraged to seek God’s help in resisting temptation, recognizing that while we may face trials, we are not abandoned by God’s grace.
On this First Sunday of Lent, we begin a sacred journey accompanying Jesus through the desert, where He faced and triumphed over temptation. The readings for today provide profound insights into the themes of temptation, faith, and God’s deliverance. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, the Israelites recount their journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land acknowledging God’s mighty hand in their deliverance. A reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of recalling His past deeds and graces in our lives. In the second reading from Romans, St. Paul asserts, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” —Romans 10:13. This call to faith and reconciliation is central to our Lenten observance, as we strive to renew our commitment to Christ. Lastly, in Luke’s Gospel reading, we learn of Jesus being led by the Spirit into the desert where the devil tempts Him. Jesus responds with steadfast faith to each temptation posed to Him, challenging His identity and mission. His triumph over the tempter models how we navigate our struggles.
Lent is a time to strengthen our relationship with the Lord, confront our weaknesses, and embrace His grace.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.