First Week of Lent 2026( Fr.Nishantha Cooray TOR)

Описание: First Sunday of Lent
(Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7)
(Psalm 51:1–4, 10–12, 15)
(Romans 5:12–19)
(Matthew 4:1–11)
Before examining Christ’s temptations in Matthew 4:1–11, we must understand “temptation.” The Greek word “peirazein” can mean testing. God tested Abraham (Genesis 22:1), as gold is tested by fire. Temptation can be preparation for a greater mission. The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. Temptation is not falling into sin but a path to victory.
Jesus faces three temptations. First, to turn stones into bread. This tests whether He will use divine power for personal need. He refuses. One must not use God-given power selfishly. He responds with Deuteronomy 8:3: “Man shall not live by bread alone.”
Second, to jump from the temple pinnacle. This tests whether He will gain followers through spectacle. He refuses to test God, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16. Faith does not demand signs.
Third, to bow to Satan for worldly glory. This is a call to compromise. Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:13. Worship belongs to God alone.
The temptations of Adam and Eve, David, and Jesus share the same pattern: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Adam and Eve fell because they entered dialogue with the serpent. Jesus overcame because He sought truth from God and refused to converse with the devil.
The key lesson: learn from God what must be learned from God, and do not enter into dialogue with the evil one.
Heavenly Father,
In this holy season of Lent, grant us the grace to recognize the voice that leads us away from You and the courage to reject it. Teach us to seek Your Word above every desire of the flesh, every attraction of the eyes, and every prideful ambition of the heart.
Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Do not cast us away from Your presence, nor take Your Holy Spirit from us. Clothe us with the garments of salvation through the sacrifice of Your Son, and strengthen us to overcome temptation as He overcame.
May we listen only to You, walk in obedience, and share in the eternal life promised in Christ our Lord.
Amen.