Homily of the 1st Sunday of Lent
By Fr. Oluwafemi Victor Orilua, CSSp
Readings: Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7; Romans 5:12, 17–19; Matthew 4:1–11
Life, whether at its peak or in its early stages of growth, comes with checks and tests which, if not properly handled, can destroy one’s purpose. Every meaningful achievement and every divine mission passes through moments of testing. There is no point launching ourselves into great feats that we cannot manage or sustain.
After His baptism in the Jordan, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights. This shows that Jesus took deliberate time for spiritual preparation before embarking on His public ministry.
The preparation was followed by testing. The devil first tested Jesus with material needs. He asked Him to turn stones into bread because He was hungry. This was a temptation to take a shortcut—to satisfy Himself outside God’s timing and will. Sometimes, we too are tempted to manipulate situations or use our positions and opportunities improperly in order to gain comfort or quick results.
Secondly, the devil urged Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple to prove He was the Son of God. In the same way, we are often tempted to do sensational things just to prove our worth. We engage in outward displays to gain approval, forgetting that God already knows our value. He keeps the true scorecard of our lives.
Thirdly, the devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus firmly rejected this compromise. Many today bow to similar pressures because of the desire for power, wealth, or security. Some even sacrifice their values and souls in pursuit of worldly gain, forgetting that the redemption of the soul is far more important than earthly possessions.
In all three temptations, Jesus relied on the Word of God to counter Satan. He teaches us that victory over temptation comes through knowledge of Scripture and obedience to God’s will. When we ground ourselves in God’s Word, we stand firm against worldly attractions.
The same devil who deceived Adam and Eve into disobedience (Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7), bringing about the first fall, continues to tempt humanity today. However, as St. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:12, 17–19, where sin entered through one man, salvation and grace overflow through Christ. Jesus has shown us the path to victory.
As we journey through this Lenten season, may we become more spiritually alert and sensitive to every form of deception. May we remain steadfast in times of testing and prove ourselves true sons and daughters of God. Amen.
