First Sunday of Lent A February 10, 2008

Matthew 4:1-11 The Temptation in the Desert  Temptations to satisfy one’s physical hungers, to acquire possessions and power, to be acclaimed and admired…such are the basic groups of the temptations that test every person. But were they really temptations in Jesus’ case? Temptations seem to have three dimensions. The first is the invitation given. That is certainly present. The second is the attraction felt. Being human, Jesus did experience an attraction to the temptations, but his resistance was extremely strong based on both his divine identity as well as his dedication of his humanity to God. Jesus has just completed a forty-day retreat. Our resistance to temptation is stronger when we dedicate ourselves to God and immerse ourselves in prayer. A third dimension is whether or not a temptation is morally wrong. Generally we consider temptation in such a context, but one could be tempted to do a good deed, to give money to someone in need, to take a job that brings less income but makes a greater impact on society. Bottom line…temptation is a test in which we must choose between options. We pray that God not lead us into tests we are incapable of passing, but tests become opportunities to choose and do God’s will.

Reading 1, Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7 In the first account of creation (Genesis 1) man and woman are the final act or apex of creation. In this second account (Genesis 2) man is created before the plants and animals which God creates one by one and brings to the man to name. Each account emphasizes the central role of mankind in God’s plan in a different way, this second account shows man as God’s co-worker in the ongoing governance of creation. The word for garden did not refer to our typical vegetable and flower gardens but, rather, a formal garden of trees and flowers laid-out with paths. Thus it represented God’s order into which we are invited, and the reason Adam and Eve will leave the garden when they go out of God’s order.

Reading II, Romans 5:12-19 Sin is separation from God. It may be “actual sin”, something we do or omit to do which strains our relationship with God. It may be “original sin” which is a fundamental separation from God. The opposite of sin is grace which unites one with God. “Righteous” means acting or being in accordance with what is just. While Christians are called to live by the example of Jesus Christ, the fact that we do so imperfectly…that we sin…keeps us humble and aware of our need for God’s grace. Thus we cannot be “self-righteous” but made righteous by Jesus with whom we are united.