Inspire in Us the Practice of Good:
Reflections for Spiritual Growth and Self-Renewal, 1st Sunday of Lent (B), February 26, 2012
Liturgical readings
Genesis 9:8-15 Psalm 25 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:12-15
"Reform your lives and believe in the good news."
The gospel passage for this 1st Sunday of Lent (B) is comprised of only 4 verses; yet, in many Catholic bible translations, this passage is divided into two paragraphs: The Temptation of Jesus (verses 12-13) and The Beginning of Jesus' Galilean Ministry (verses 14-15). Mark's description of the temptation of Jesus is not as detailed as that of Matthew's version (Mt 4:1-11), nor of Luke's version (Lk 4:1-13). In Mark's version, there are no descriptive details of the Jesus' encounter with Satan. And the victory of Jesus over Satan's temptation is implied in the gospel of Mark.
Jesus was like us in every way except for sin. God was made flesh in Him to give us strength against sin and the practice of virtue. Because of the sin we inherited from Adam and Eve, we easily succumb to sin, either venial or mortal. Only Jesus in His purity can give us strength to obey God and His commands, follow His counsels and inspirations. Since we have been gifted with faith at our baptism, we have the responsibility to nurture this faith in Jesus. The quality of this faith is what can help us overcome temptations, such as the craving of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes, and the strong pull of worldly ambition - three temptations that can ruin and destroy our souls (as it almost did St. Augustine, before his conversion).
In one of his sermons, St. Augustine says that the battle against evil is "harsher for those who are young". He is speaking from experience and reflecting in his wisdom years. It is true. In old age, the seniors (seasoned Catholics) know well about this fight and have passed through it many times. Quoting St. Augustine, he says: "you have grown old in this combat...age has worn you of the fight". And the wise saint continues also to say that even old age can "wear out the foes". But St. Augustine knows the importance of vigilance, because he knows the ancient enemy still "does not cease to disturb the peace even of old age".
Points for reflection: What passages in the Bible or traditional Catholic prayers can help us overcome the temptations we encounter in daily life and work or leisure? What means can we take to avoid situations that can lead us to sin?
