With Opened Bible
First Sunday of Lent
“But the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil.”
Each year during Lent, the Church invites us to reflect on our fragility and the importance of turning back to the Lord, emphasizing the need to resist temptation as part of our spiritual journey. This invitation helps us stay engaged and committed to deepening our faith during this season.
The first couple failed in their mission. Instead of listening to the voice of the Creator, they preferred that of the temper, who has been the Father of lies from the beginning. (John 8,44) Recognizing this can inspire us to be humble about our own struggles with obedience: "You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil." (Genesis 3:4-5) By wanting to be "like God," the first couple felt lower than their own humanity: into death.This episode was repeated once again with the temptation of Je-sus. Three times, Satan offered him things that would only distract him from his mission. Jesus had come to serve his Father by obeying his voice, which asked him to be the sacrifice that saves the world: "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work." (John 4,34). As is written of me in the scroll, Behold, I come to do your will, O God.'" (Hebrews 10,7). Reflecting on Jesus' obedience can inspire us to stay committed to our own spiritual path.
The ancient serpent offered him all the riches and glories of the world, that is, to make him God: "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." (Matthew 4:9) Jesus stood firm against him and emerged victorious. Thus, he, the New Adam, was able to reverse the situation in favor of his mission, which is to obey his Father. This Sunday invites us to ask ourselves repeatedly: Whom do we obey? God or the serpent who rules this world of darkness?
