CATHOLIC CONVERSATIONS ON THE SCRIPTURES Archdiocese of Miami - Ministry of Christian Formation

st March 1, 2009 1 Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)

(Parishes engaged in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults may celebrate the Rite of Election today).

Gospel reading: Mark 1:12-15

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Brief commentary:

Each year on this first Sunday of Lent, we read one of the synoptic accounts of the temptations of Jesus in the desert by Satan. Mark’s version of the temptation in the desert is much shorter than Matthew’s or Luke’s. This makes the significance more direct. The same Spirit who descended on Jesus in his baptism now drives him into the desert for forty days. This is a moment of radical confrontation with Satan who wants to frustrate the work of God. The wild beasts represent the danger of the desert, and the angels remind us of the angel who supplied food for Elijah in the wilderness (1 King 19:5-7). In the desert, Jesus faces good and evil, but his obedience brings forth the new people of God where Israel's rebellion had brought death and alienation. In the plan of God, Jesus was not to proclaim the good news of salvation prior to the termination of the Baptist's mission. But now is the time of fulfillment: the reign of God has begun in Jesus and it calls for a radical response: “Repent, and put all your trust in the gospel!”

Today’s reading offers three significant messages:

• Lent is our desert experience, the confrontation with the forces of evil in our lives. • We journey with Jesus on the road to Calvary to his ultimate victory over sin and death. • With God present, the desert becomes a place of retreat inviting honesty with ourselves and God.

For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings.

1. As I enter this Lenten journey, I will examine the areas of temptations, misplaced desires and loyalties in my life. “Repent and believe” involves a process of re-focusing.

2. What can I do this Lent to deepen my trust in God as my only source of strength and peace?

Suggested readings : Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 333; 538-5341; 1427.