Sunday, February 18, 2018 1st Sunday of Lent 1st Reading: Gen 9:8–15 2nd Reading: 1 P 3:18–22 Gospel: Mk 1:12–15
Then the Spirit drove him into the desert. Jesus stayed in the desert forty days and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, but angels ministered to him.
After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and began preaching the Good News of God. He said, “The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe the Good News.”
D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the
Assimilated Life
Experience)
Jesus’ temptation in the desert that Mark describes is shorter than the accounts of Matthew (4:1-13) and Luke (4:1-11). The message, however, is the same. Jesus underwent strong temptations for forty days before his Passion.
Forty days duration appear many times in the Bible. During the crafting of the Ten Commandments Moses was with the Lord for forty days and forty nights (Ex. 34:28). When Elijah was fearful of reprisal from Jezebel after that showdown at Mt. Carmel that killed all prophets of Baal, an angelic meal strengthened him for the journey of forty days to Mt. Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). Goliath came for forty days before being killed by David (1 Sam 17:16). Jonah warned the City of Nineveh they had 40 days until God would overthrow the city. The people repented in those 40 days and God spared the city (Jonah 3:4). Jesus was seen on earth 40 days after His crucifixion (Acts 1:3). Moses’ face shone after 40 days on the mountain (Ex. 34:29). Noah waited another 40 days after it rained before he opened a window in the Ark (Gen 8:6). It rained for 40 days and 40 nights when God wanted to cleanse the world (Gen 7:12).
In these Bible passages God made major acts of transformation in the lives of his people. He gave the commandments through Moses for his people to observe. He emboldened the last prophet Elijah who was pursued by the enemies. He transformed his people into victors over the giant Goliath through David. He gave Nineveh another chance at life when they responded positively to the call to repentance. Jesus’ appearance 40 days after the crucifixion changed forever the dispositions of his followers. God cleansed the face of the earth through Noah.
In conquering temptations for forty days, Jesus transformed the nature of temptation from being insurmountable to being manageable for those who focus on God’s Will.
Later at the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus laid down the secret of surviving all forms of temptation when he prayed, “Father, not my will but yours be done.” Where the desire is compliance with God’s Will, grace isn’t wanting.
The Lenten season is our forty-day chance to allow God to transform our lives.
– (Atty.) Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., D.M.
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