First Sunday of Lent – Year A (22 February 2026)

Gospel: Matthew 4:1–11

1. Introduction

My dear brothers and sisters,

Lent begins in the desert.

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness. No celebration. No congratulations. No ministry launch event. Just silence, hunger, and testing.

The Gospel from Gospel of Matthew shows us that before Jesus saves the world publicly, He must conquer temptation privately.

Lent is not about performance. It is about preparation.

2. Humorous Story

A priest once encouraged his parishioners:
“For Lent, give up something that controls you.”

After Mass, one man said, “Father, I’ve decided to give up vegetables.”

The priest replied, “That’s not what I meant.”

Sometimes we choose sacrifices that don’t really touch our hearts. We give up what is easy, not what is necessary.

Jesus did not choose a comfortable Lent. He faced real hunger. Real weakness. Real temptation.

3. Exegesis

In Matthew’s Gospel, the temptations are deeply symbolic.

1. “Turn these stones into bread.”

Jesus is hungry after 40 days. The devil tempts Him to use His divine power for personal comfort.

This is the temptation of self-satisfaction.
To put appetite above obedience.

Jesus responds:

“Man shall not live by bread alone.”

He teaches us that spiritual hunger is greater than physical hunger.

2. “Throw yourself down.”

The devil even quotes Scripture. “Let God rescue you dramatically.”

This is the temptation of spiritual pride — to test God, to demand signs, to manipulate faith for attention.

Jesus refuses to perform. Faith is trust, not spectacle.

3. “All these kingdoms I will give you.”

Power without the Cross. Glory without suffering.

This is the temptation of shortcuts.
To gain influence without integrity.

Jesus chooses the Cross instead of compromise.

Notice something powerful:
Jesus defeats temptation not by arguing, but by standing on Scripture. He knows the Word. He trusts the Father.

The desert clarifies identity.

At His baptism He heard, “This is my beloved Son.”
In the desert the devil says, “If you are the Son…”

Temptation always attacks identity.

4. Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. Guard Your Identity

You are a child of God. Temptation often begins with doubt:
“If you were truly blessed…”
“If God really loved you…”
Do not negotiate your identity.

2. Discipline Strengthens the Soul

Fasting is not about food only. It trains the will.
A weak will easily collapses under temptation.
A disciplined soul stands firm.

3. No Shortcuts to Holiness

Growth takes time. Healing takes patience. Leadership takes integrity.
Shortcuts may look attractive, but they weaken character.

5. Inspirational Quote

“Lent is a time to let God reorder our loves.”
— St. Augustine (attributed)

6. Conclusion

My dear brothers and sisters,

The desert is not a place of defeat. It is a place of decision.

Jesus entered the desert full of the Spirit.
He left empowered for mission.

If we take Lent seriously — through prayer, fasting, and charity — we too will emerge stronger.

Lent is not about losing weight.
It is about losing pride.
It is about losing ego.
It is about losing whatever separates us from God.

And finding who we truly are.

7. Prayer

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus,
You faced temptation and remained faithful.
Strengthen us in our weaknesses.
Help us resist shortcuts and empty promises.
Give us discipline in fasting,
faithfulness in prayer,
and generosity in charity.

May this Lenten season
renew our hearts
and prepare us for the joy of Easter.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.