From the desk of Ms. Kathleen Cook, Director of Religious Education

Theme: Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus fasts for 40 days in the desert and is tempted by the devil.

Summary: This section of Matthew’s gospel recalls the temptation of Jesus in the desert. Through various symbols, such as bread, safety, and kingdoms, Jesus is presented with what have been and continue to be the temptations of human beings: pleasure, power and failure to accept responsibility. These particular things can displace the primary position of our relationship with God. Jesus consistently counters each of the devil’s temptations with a reliance on the Grace of God. Throughout the scriptures we will see Jesus place ultimate trust in the Father’s love ( Grace) and providence.

Scripture: Jesus answered,  “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ 

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness: Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’  ”  Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 

“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”  Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 

“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him….

Dear God, help us do what Jesus did. Help us do what the Bible tells us to do instead of listening to what the devil wants us to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.   www.sermons4kids.com
 
Key Words in Today’s Readings: www.livingwithchrist.us

First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

                Genesis is the first book of the Bible. It tells many stories, including the stories of creation, Adam and Eve,  the flood, Abraham, and the people’s faith in God. These stories help us understand that God loves us and      wants us to love him too.
                It is hard to understand fully the notions of good and evil. In this story from Genesis, we see evil as an enemy of God’s, an enemy who tempts us to turn away from our Creator who is all-good.

Second Reading: 1 Romans 5:12-19
                The Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans was written to the small community of Christians who lived in            Rome. Saint Paul wanted to visit them, so he sent them this letter ahead of him, to encourage them and to             remind them of the teachings of Jesus.

Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

                When we are tempted, we think about doing something we know to be wrong. The Spirit of God within us gives us the strength to say no to temptation. Every time we pray the Our Father, we ask God to give us this strength.
                The parapet of the temple was its highest point. From here Jesus could see a great distance. It was also dangerously high.

                When we worship God, we praise him for his love and mercy.
My Promise to Jesus: Lord,  when I am tempted to be unkind, I will ask for your help. I will try to speak and act only with kindness.     
https://us.magnificat.net/my-sunday-gospel-coloring-book-2020.html

Reflect: If a word or phrase from the Gospel captures your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life. What can you give up for Lent that will cause you to remember your need for God?   www.smp.org
 
Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:
http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/
The Love That is True
Written by Paul Chilson
ISBN: 13:978-0982979358

Pray that you will always keep in your mind and heart that God loves you and is always wanting to extend His love to you at every place and at every time in your life. Amen.

Family Discussion:  When Jesus resists the temptations presented to him by the devil, he draws on his religious upbringing and tradition. Jesus is able to quote from Scripture because he is the Son of God and because he was a human person who lived his Jewish beliefs fully. We who are responsible for raising children are also called upon to immerse them fully in our Catholic Christian tradition so that they too will be able to draw upon this tradition to resist the temptations they will face in their lives.

Use this Sunday as an opportunity to call your family’s attention to the importance of Scripture in our lives. Gather your family around the family Bible and read today’s Gospel, Matthew 4:1-11. Recall that Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations by quoting Scripture. Take some time as a family to talk about the words that are found in the Bible and the importance of Scripture to our faith. Perhaps the older members of the family can share a favorite Scripture passage with everyone. Younger family members can tell their favorite story from the Bible and be shown where that story can be found. In each case, encourage a deeper sharing of faith by asking each person to tell why the Scripture passage shared is important to him or her. Conclude your time together by again reading Jesus’ reply to the devil found in  Matthew 4:4 (“One does not live by bread alone . . .”) and praying the Lord’s Prayer...... www.loyolapress.com