1st Sunday of Lent [A]
February 26, 2023
Matthew 4:1-11
We are now on the first Sunday of Lent. For some of us, the Lenten season is just another routine. We abstain from meat or other things that bring us comfort and fast at least twice a year (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday). We are also asked to spend more time in prayer and encouraged to give more alms. The liturgical color and atmosphere also change in our churches. And in many parishes, confessions are made available. Some of us may not really understand why we must do these things, but since we are Catholics and others are practicing it, we do it too. Some of us may be aware of the reason behind these spiritual exercises because we listen to the catechesis given by the priests or lay catechesis, or explanations given on social media. As a priest, I take every opportunity to educate the faithful on this beautiful season (check also my catechesis and reflections in previous years). Yet, we still wonder why we have to keep doing this every year.
The answer rests on our wounded nature. Speaking about our nature, we cannot but go back to our first parents Adam and Eve. In our first reading, we discover how Adam and Eve were created from the dust of the earth and received the breath of life. Not only that, God placed them in the garden close to Himself. This becomes a symbol that they lived in harmony with God, nature, and themselves. This is the state of original grace. Yet, despite all the privileges, Adam and Eve, the dirt of the earth, dared to defy the Lord of the universe. Truly, their sin merited death. God was merciful, prevented total death, and gave a second chance for man and woman. Unfortunately, sin has wounded their souls and destroyed their original friendship with God. The wounded nature is now weak to temptations and prone to commit more sins.
Regrettably, Adam is not just an isolated individual. He is also the head of humanity. Thus, St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans (our second reading), expressed the truth that the effects of Adam’s sin flow to all humanity. “Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned (Rom 5:12).” When we are conceived, we receive a wounded human nature. We are in a state far from God. Our tradition calls this original sin.
However, we are not doomed to hopelessness. St. Paul, also in the same letter, preached the good news that Jesus has saved us and brought us back into the friendship of God, the state of grace. “For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many (Rom 5:15).”
Then, the question remains: ‘If we are already redeemed, why must we do intensive spiritual exercises in the Lenten season?’ Yes, we have been redeemed, but our souls retain some weaknesses due to the effects of original sin. We still have this tendency to commit sin and disorder. Thus, to strengthen our spiritual muscles against the flesh, the world, and the devil, Jesus gives us these three tips: fast, intensive prayer, and almsgiving. (For why these three actions, see my last year’s reflection.)
Yet, one question remains: ‘Why did God allow concupiscence to remain in our souls despite the work of redemption?’ Wait for the answer next Sunday!
Rome
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP