1st Sunday of Lent
First Reading
Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7
The creation account highlights human dignity and freedom. The fall narrative then shows how mistrust of God leads to rupture. The Catechism teaches that original sin reflects a misuse of freedom, yet God’s plan for redemption begins immediately (CCC 396–410).
Lent revisits this story not to condemn but to remind believers of the ongoing need for trust and grace.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 50(51):3–6,12–14,17
Psalm 51 expresses repentance grounded in hope. It recognises sin honestly while trusting divine mercy. The Church frequently uses this psalm during Lent because it captures the dynamic of contrition and renewal (CCC 1451–1453).
True repentance leads to restoration rather than despair.
Second Reading
Romans 5:12–19
Paul contrasts Adam and Christ. Where sin entered through disobedience, grace now abounds through Christ’s obedience. The Catechism highlights this as the heart of salvation history: grace ultimately outweighs sin (CCC 411–412).
This perspective prevents Lent from becoming overly self-focused; it remains centred on God’s redeeming action.
Gospel
Matthew 4:1–11
Jesus’ temptation reveals faithful obedience under pressure. His reliance on Scripture demonstrates how God’s word sustains believers during testing. The Catechism notes Christ’s temptations anticipate human struggle while revealing victory through trust in God (CCC 538–540).
Christian discipleship therefore involves both vigilance and confidence in grace.
Reflection
These readings establish Lent’s central themes: human vulnerability, divine grace, and faithful perseverance. Genesis acknowledges the reality of temptation. Romans emphasises grace’s abundance. The Gospel models faithful response.
Lent invites awareness rather than guilt — recognising weakness while trusting God’s ongoing work. Spiritual maturity grows through honesty, prayer, and reliance on Scripture.
Ultimately, Lent is hopeful. It anticipates resurrection even while confronting struggle. God’s grace consistently exceeds human failure.
One line to carry today
Trust God’s word — it strengthens us in temptation.
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