21/02/2026
Today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, marks the First Sunday of Lent. The Gospel reading is a powerful account of Jesus’ spiritual preparation and his direct confrontation with temptation
The Gospel Reading : Matthew 4:1–11
In this passage, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert to fast for forty days and forty nights. While he is at his most physically vulnerable, the devil approaches him with three specific temptations:
Physical Hunger: The devil suggests Jesus turn stones into bread. Jesus responds: "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."
Presumption/Pride: The devil challenges him to throw himself from the parapet of the temple to prove God will save him. Jesus replies: "You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test."
Power and Idolatry: The devil offers all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus commands: "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'"
Today’s Other Reading
First Reading: Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7 (The creation of man and the Fall in the Garden of Eden).
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51 ("Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned").
Second Reading: Romans 5:12–19 (Comparing the disobedience of Adam to the righteous obedience of Jesus).
Reflection
The readings today contrast the failure of the first humans (Adam and Eve) to resist temptation in a lush garden with the victory of Jesus over temptation in a harsh desert. As we begin the Lenten season, this Gospel serves as a reminder that through faith and Scripture, it is possible to overcome the "deserts" and temptations in our own lives.
