Tempted But Not Harmed - Reflections on the First Sunday of Lent

MISERICORDIA FOR LIFE (A Ministry of the Word of God)

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) 

He Prevails Against Our Darkness        

by Fr Anthony Uche

Music: Amazing Grace Licensed: Envato Elements Pty Ltd

St Margaret of Scotland RC Carshalton Beeches.

Summary of the Message

Welcome to 'The Message of the Lord' with Father Anthony Uche. In this episode, we delve into the readings for the first Sunday of Lent, Year B, from the book of Genesis, Psalm 25, the first letter of Saint Peter, and the Gospel of Saint Mark. The theme of our reflection today is "Tempted But Not Harmed".

Our journey through the 40-day spiritual season of Lent starts with Ash Wednesday, a period for more intense prayer, self-searching, reconciliation, self-denial, and sharing of blessings.

St. Peter in our second reading today reminds us that our Lord Jesus, despite being led by the Holy Spirit into the desert after his baptism at the River Jordan, battled against Satan's troubling voices - and emerged victorious. He turned the tide for us, overturning Satan's victory in the Garden of Eden and opening the door to the sacraments that lead to God.

We ourselves are in a similar battle against those voices and spirits that do not lead us to God. Our challenges, our struggles, today, are God's battles and God's worries. However, in Christ, we are assured of victory over our own personal battles.

During these trials that we face, let us not lament but rather rediscover who we are and where we are with God. The Lord will reveal the truth about our being and present a path to true life and happiness.

Lastly, as we await God's intervention while we navigate life's challenges, let's remember the symbol of the rainbow in our reading from Genesis - that God will never give up on us. So, in the name of Jesus, pray with us for victory over temptations and for our battles to not result in harm.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Pray for us, our Lady Seat of Wisdom; pray for us, St. Michael the Archangel. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.