Gospel: February 23, 2026
February 22, 2026 (Sunday)
1st Sunday of Lent
Psalter: Week 1 (Violet)
Ps 51: 3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 & 17
Be merciful, O Lord. for we have sinned.
1st Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
2nd Reading: Romans 5:12-19 (or 5:12, 17-19)
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert, that he might be put to the test by the devil. After Jesus fasted 40 days and nights he was famished. Then the tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, order these stones to turn into bread.” But Jesus answered, “Scripture says: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Jesus to the Holy City, set him on the highest wall of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for scripture says: God has given orders to his angels concerning you. Their hands will hold you up, lest you hurt your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered, “But scripture also says: You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Then the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain, and showed him all the nations of the world in all their greatness and splendor. And he said, “All this I will give you, if you kneel down and worship me.” Then Jesus answered, “Be off, Satan! Scripture says: Worship the Lord your God and serve him alone!” Then the devil left him; and angels came to serve him.
Lectio Divina:
Follow Jesus’ examples.
Read: The reading from Genesis narrates the story of the first couple enjoying God’s goodness in the garden. On their part, they need to follow the will of God. But the serpent tempted them, and they chose to believe in what it said and decided to disobey God. In the second reading, St. Paul tells us of the consequences of the choices being made: in the disobedience of Adam, sin and death came into the world; in the obedience of Jesus, justification is given to all. This is clearly illustrated in the gospel, where Jesus chooses to remain faithful to the Father in all the temptations the Tempter offers him.
Reflect: Sin is a choice to follow our selfish desires, to enrich or satisfy ourselves even if it is against the will of God. We can follow Jesus’ example who, despite the temptations, chose to remain faithful to the Father and did not take shortcuts. Life is about making choices. Our readings tell us that our choices can either give us life or death; they can lead us to God or away from him. We are reminded to always make our choices according to God’s will. Ultimately, when we face our Father, our choices, not our abilities, will determine who we are before His eyes.
Pray: Father, help us to be faithful to you as we make choices daily.
Act: Let us strengthen ourselves by prayer, fasting, and reflecting on God’s word.
