Readings for March 8-9, First Sunday of Lent
By Fr. Edward Looney | For On Mission
There are a lot of voices in the world that compete for your attention.
Scroll through social media and it is the voice of the influencer, sharing a product they may or may not have used, telling you why you need it. The voices of commentators on the news, radio or podcasts shape what we think about a person or subject. Voices of our friends encourage us, while others might be voices of discouragement.
Who are you listening to?
Jesus followed the lead of the Holy Spirit, whose voice led him into the desert where he underwent the temptation from the evil one. The voice of the devil was as clear as day and Jesus heard him and knew what to say.
The voice of the devil in our lives casts doubt on what we believe, just like he did in the garden long ago, deceiving Adam and Eve and enticing them to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge. The voice of the devil is one of deception. He is a liar. If we listen to him, then he wins.
During these Lenten days, we strive to listen to the voice of Jesus. Jesus’ example during his temptation teaches us how to respond to the devil. When Satan tempted him, Jesus responded with Scripture.
Our second reading offers us that model, too. “What does the Scripture say?” It is important for us to remind ourselves of what the Scripture says so that when we might entertain the voice of the evil one, we will know how to respond.
- If we do not want to make an offering to God, we remind ourselves of what the first reading says, to offer our first fruits to the Lord.
- If the voice of the tempter tells us not to forgive someone, we remember the words of Jesus who tells us to forgive so that we will be forgiven (Mt 6:14-15).
- If the evil voice is tempting to lust, remember Matthew 5:28.
- If the voice wants us to hold onto anger, then remember Ephesians 4:26 and what it says about not letting the sun go down while still angry.
Don’t let the voice of Satan overpower you. Instead, let the voice of Jesus overwhelm with his words of hope, mercy and forgiveness. Give his voice and his word the prominence it needs in your life so that the devil’s voice might be stifled.
Fr. Edward Looney serves as the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawano, and priest celebrant of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Cecil. He is the author of “Praying with the Church Through Lent.”
The readings for Sunday, March 9, can be found at First Sunday of Lent | USCCB.