Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk - March 5, 2017

Readings: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Responsorial Psalm PS 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17; Rom 5:12-19 Or Rom 5:12, 17-19; Gospel Mt 4:1-11.

Theme: Beyond Temptation!

Friends in Christ, the First Sunday of Lent is the platform for us to properly reflect on the implication of our Annual Traditional Lenten Observances of prayer, fasting and alms giving plus observing the Stations of the Cross. It also obliges us to hit the ground running in terms of relying on God's Holy Spirit to aid us in our resolve to withstand temptation and sin.                          

This is why our first reading today from the book of Genesis (Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7) takes us back to how Adam and Eve derailed from the Original State of Blessedness to what theologians call, Fallen Humanity. They could not withstand the tricks of the devil because their gaze was on the dangling apple known as the "tree of life."      

The concupiscence of the eye and the pride of life took the better of them which saw them out of paradise. Their desolate state brought about loss of grace and the Original State of Blessedness which they hitherto enjoyed. This sin implicated humanity in that God had to initiate a new process of redeeming the human race.  

While the first Adam failed in resisting temptation, the New Adam broke the First Guinness Book of Records by disgracing the devil thrice. The tempter tried him in the area of food, power and worldly splendour. Jesus would use the scriptures to counter-balance the three temptations.  

In the second reading (Rom 5:12-19), St. Paul clarifies this point thus: "Just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous act, acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous."   

                                         

We must understand that the devil too is vast in the scriptures but as the Word Per Excellence, Jesus drew from his reservoir of knowledge to place the devil where he belongs. This proves the point that the Word of God is sharper than any double edge sword (Hebrews 4:12). What is more, being abreast with the Word of God certainly helps us in overcoming every kind of temptation.  

We should note that by fasting for forty days and nights, Christ invites us to pray, fast and carry out acts of charity in season and out of season. This means that we must not take a holiday in carrying out the acts of piety especially during this Holy Season.

As we journey with the Lord throughout this season, may his spirit help us to resist the trials, temptations and tribulations of the devil so that the angels may minister to us as they did to Jesus. We must learn to look beyond every temptation trusting in God's Spirit to help us in our weaknesses (Romans 8:26). Have a pleasant Lenten Season.