First Sunday in Lent (Year A), Feb. 13, 2005

BCP: Gen. 2:4b-9,15-17,25-3:7; Psalm 51 or 51:1-13; Rom. 5:12-19(20-21); Matt. 4:1-11

RCL: Gen. 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Rom. 5:12-19; Matt. 4:1-11

Today’s reading from the book of Exodus tells the story of every one of us. When faced with decisions, our natural tendency is to choose selfishly and wrongly.

All of us are self-centered. We put ourselves first in nearly everything. When our own self-interest clashes with the interests or desires of others, we generally look out for Number One. We value our personal happiness over the well-being of those around us. We willingly betray the trust of those who love us when doing so suits our own purposes. We deny the dignity of others by taking advantage of them. All of us sin constantly, for by nature we follow “too much the devices and desires of our own hearts” (BCP, p. 41).

While temptation to sin will probably always be with us, until the coming of the kingdom, today’s gospel makes it clear that our inclinations need not issue in sinful actions. Immediately following his baptism and anointing by the Spirit, Jesus himself is repeatedly tempted to act selfishly. It occurs to him to focus on satisfying his immediate wants at the expense of all else. He considers lording power over others. He even considers trying to force God to act as his servant. Yet the presence of the Spirit within him enables Jesus to say a resounding “no” to acting on these things. It can also empower us to do the very same thing, if we let it.

Today’s readings invite us to rejoice that our Savior has been “tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin.” The same Spirit who strengthened Jesus, moreover, now dwells within us as a result of our own baptism.

We are thereby enabled, if we choose, “to live no longer for ourselves alone, but for him who died for us and rose again” (BCP, p. 379). The power is ours for the taking.

Look It Up

What, according to James, is the source of temptation? What is the ultimate result of giving in to it? (James 1:13-18)

Think About It

In what ways do we personally harm others through acting out of selfishness?

Next Sunday

Second Sunday in Lent (Year A), Feb. 20, 2005

BCP: Gen. 12:1-8; Psalm 33:12-22; Romans 4:1-5(6-12)13-17; John 3:1-17

RCL: Gen. 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Rom. 4:1-5,13-17; John 3:1-17