1st Sunday of Lent Year A: Homily by: Fr. Justin Adiele

Theme: Seeing the loss in sinful temptations

INTRODUCTION

We have entered the season of Lent, the season of repentance, reparation and renewal of our spiritual life anchored on obedience to the Word of God. The readings today warn us about temptations which lure us to flaunt or dare the Word and law of God with fleeting promises or gains. The Lenten season calls us to pause, ponder and strengthen our resolve to stand by and live by the Word and commands of God; for we will only count and rue our loss by yielding to sinful temptations.

THE FIRST READING (GEN. 2: 7–9; 3: 1–7)

The first reading revealed to us the loss Adam and Eve suffered after falling for the temptation to disobey and rob God their master. They lost the planted garden and had to labour so hard for food. They lost their pride for shame. They lost their divine provision and security for human provision and security. If they had seen all these losses ahead, they would not have falling for the temptation to disobey God’s express order. They were rather blinded by the devil’s empty promises as many still fall for today.

THE SECOND READING (ROM. 5: 12–19)

In the second reading, the loss of Adam’s fall for sinful temptation continued to accumulate and spread suffering and death to all men through all generation. The consequences of the temptations you fall for now; trying to play smart on God and others; to swindle and rob others; to eliminate others; to take huge bribes to rig elections; will still follow your children, your people and generations yet unborn. So, why fall for sinful temptations that would lead to generational loss, suffering and death? Jesus stood as the one Man who through total obedience to God tried to stop the spread of sin and death in the world. We are all called to join Jesus in the train of God’s total obedient children in overcoming every sinful temptation around us.

THE GOSPEL READING (MT. 4: 1–11)

In the gospel reading, the Temptations of Jesus revealed to us three essential aspects the devil can tempt us to disobey God. Firstly, the aspect of food: Adam and Eve fail for it in the first reading. Hunger and search for food can drive us to go places we shouldn’t go, or do things we shouldn’t do by virtue of our Christian calling. Secondly, the aspect of power: Having a feeling of power, rights and privileges or belonging to a family or clan of power has driven many to deadly rascality. Some do feel that; no matter what I do, my father, my family, my ruling region or party would bail me out. Having or possessing some powers like leadership power should not make you become rascal with the law, your life or the life of others. Being the son of a king is not a license to live above the law. God with all his powers was never rascal but just in all his ways; He was only rascal with his love and his only begotten Son to save mankind from sin and death. Thirdly, the aspect of worldly riches and wealth: This has driven many to forsake God and his just ways and take to the gifts or riches of the devil. Still at the long run we lose our peace, our joy and our soul.

CONCLUSION

The loss in falling for sinful temptations to satisfy one worldly passion or the other may not be seen at first sight but it must come. On the other hand, the peace, the blessing, the healing, the serenity, the satisfaction and the freedom in standing and living by the Word of God is irreplaceable like the Garden of Eden. Aware of the loss in falling for sinful temptations, let us flee from sinful temptations in whatever form or guise or gains they may appear to come; let us hold on to true obedience to the Word of God.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin