Sunday Gospel reflections: Being faithful

First Sunday of Lent, Year A

A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit. (Psalm 51:12)

As this Lenten season begins and spring is almost upon us, I’m reflecting on ants. Each morning, signs of their industrious work appear as little anthills on the walkway near my home. As the day progresses and foot traffic increases, the anthills are often trampled on, sometimes completely washed away by heavy rain. Yet no matter what happens to their work, the ants offer signs each morning that they’ve not given up, that they’re renewing the efforts of the previous day. 

We so often begin the season of Lent with intentions to enter into practices of penance, with promises to pray more deeply and more often, with high hopes for renewal. As the days move on, we may become aware of our failings to hold ourselves to our commitments. Yet what God calls us to is not perfection, but faithfulness, to trying our best to listen to God’s voice in our everyday lives and to getting up each morning with a
renewed heart.

 — Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, IHM


Readings:

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17

Romans 5:12-19 or 5:12, 17-19

Matthew 4:1-11


Detail, “The Temptation of Christ by the Devil,” by Félix Joseph Barrias, 1860. Photo: Public Domain
JesusLentLiving with ChristMatthew 4:1-11Sr. Chris Koellhoffer IHMSunday Gospel ReflectionsThe Temptation of Jesus
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