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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: Feb. 10, 2008
By Jeff Hensley
Catholic News Service
February 10, First Sunday of Lent
Cycle A Readings:
1) Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17
2) Romans 5:12-19
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
Lent begins again. Once more we enter into our contemplation of Jesus’ long road to Jerusalem and the cross. Once more his example of setting off firmly in obedience is set before us.
In this weekend’s readings we have Jesus’ temptation in the desert and his refusal to take advantage of his position as the Son of God. He uses Scripture to answer each temptation of the devil, and in this way he, even Jesus, relies on the power of God outside himself, the certainty of the revealed word to turn away evil.
So often we think in terms of sacrifice to turn us toward repentance and a renewed appreciation of the remarkable gift God has given us in Jesus, and we should. Jesus made the way clear for us to repent, be forgiven, and be redeemed by his sacrifice.
But he also offered avoidance of sin as an example we can benefit from.
One of the guys on the cleaning crew at the Catholic Center a few years back lived in a neighborhood where warring gangs fought for turf and dominance. This young man was a strong Christian, a Baptist, and he used his faith to become a peacemaker, encouraging gang members to be at peace with their enemies. His was an act of courage modeled on the courage of his Savior, a way to help others avoid sin and its consequences.
Once, at a meeting of Texas Catholic journalists, a young man indicated to a group of us that he was planning to go out with one of the waitresses after hours rather than returning to his own wife and children. A friend and I encouraged him to hold firm to his marriage commitment. “A real man lives by his commitments,” we told him.
In the end, at least that night, he did the manly thing, perhaps not even knowing that the ultimate real man we had in mind was Jesus. But he knew from speaking to us that all in our group were believers. The lesson of where to draw strength could not have been lost on him.
And so it is: Jesus strengthens us by his example and makes a way for our return when we stumble. How grateful we are that he faced the long road, endured the suffering, paid the cost, lived out his commitment -- for us.
QUESTIONS:
How can you use your Lenten practices to build up your determination to do good and avoid evil? How might you encourage those around you to live holy lives, to strengthen their faith?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
Jesus replied, “It is written: ‘One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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