February 26, 2023

First Sunday of Lent

Mt 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 

Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” 

Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Lent: A Time of Knowing Who We Are 

Before Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, he went to the river Jordan to be baptized. He emerged from the water confirmed in what he always knew - he was the Son of God. So even when temptations were great, he remained true to himself and faithful to his Father. This time of trial solidified his identity and prepared him for his world-changing ministry. 

Adam and Eve also knew who they were, God’s beloved creation. Before their fateful decision, they lived in harmony with creation and with God, having no reason to fear, to feel ashamed, or to worry over their wellbeing. But somehow, they lost sight of who they were in relation to God. Suddenly, they were overcome by a river of fear and shame, hiding themselves from the God who loved them into being.  

Guilt can be helpful; it informs us “what I’ve done is wrong.” Shame, on the other hand, tells us “who I am is wrong.” Where is the redeeming value in that? To embrace shame is to call God a liar, saying what he has created is not good. Sadly, we are all familiar with shame and we all know it makes us hide from God and keeps us from authentic connection with others.  

If we’re not careful, Lent can turn into a 40-day exercise in fueling our shame. Why not follow Jesus instead and commit to making this season a time of returning our hearts to God. If we remember who we truly are and re-root ourselves in our identity with God, perhaps we too will emerge ready to proclaim the joy of God’s Kingdom.  

—Aaron Pierre, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province. He is in his final semester of studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University and is anticipating ordination to the priesthood in June.

Prayer 

Lord, my God
When your love spilled over into creation
You thought of me.
I am from Love,
of Love,
for Love. 

Let my heart, O God, always recognize, cherish and enjoy
Your goodness in all of creation.
Direct all that is me toward your praise.
Teach me reverence for every person, all things.
Energize me in your service. 

Lord God, may nothing ever distract me from your love.
Neither health nor sickness, wealth nor poverty
honor nor dishonor long life or short life. 

May I never seek, nor choose to be
Other than you intend or wish.

—First Principle and Foundation of St. Ignatius, paraphrased by Jacqueline Bergan and Sr. Marie Schwan