Reflections on the First Sunday of Lent: Facing Temptations and Preparing for the Eucharist

by Fr. John Granato  |  03/09/2025  |  Words from Fr. John

My Dear Friends,

Lent has begun, and today we celebrate the First Sunday of Lent. The readings are always taken from the temptation accounts of Jesus in the desert. St. Matthew and St. Luke give us the account of the dialogue between Jesus and Satan. St. Mark just casually mentions that he went into the desert to be tempted after His baptism. Lent is a time for us to look at what tempts us, what leads us to sin, and how we are called to fight those temptations. These temptations traditionally come to us through the three avenues of the flesh, the world, and the devil. Not every temptation is of the devil.

As we begin Lent, let us focus on how we are called to discipline ourselves in the spiritual life, avoid these temptations, and avoid sin. It is also an opportune time for us to reflect on how we prepare for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Before Mass begins, it is a good time for us to reflect on the readings at that Mass, meditate, and pray, asking our Lord to help us to be open to the graces and blessings He wants to bestow on us that day.

It can be distracting for many people who are trying to pray before Mass when other parishioners sitting around them are having discussions, usually very loud discussions. In fact, I have had several parishioners approach me, sharing that they are having a difficult time praying with the chatter that is happening in the church. So, as a parish community, let us be mindful of how we prepare for Mass and limit our private discussions so that we do not disturb or distract others who are praying.

We are called to embrace fellowship and to remember that we are a community of believers and brothers and sisters of the Lord. I am acutely aware that many people only see each other at the celebration of Sunday Mass. However, we are also called to approach the Lord before Mass by preparing ourselves to receive God Himself in the Blessed Sacrament. Please be more considerate when you feel the need to have a discussion before Mass.

God Bless.