February 22, 2026
First Sunday of Lent
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

Today is the First Sunday of Lent. The passage from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew presents to us Jesus being tempted.

In life, we too cannot avoid experiencing temptations from this passing world, just as Jesus did. When we are caught up in them, we find ourselves increasingly drawn to enjoying the world, growing more self-centred, and desiring to accumulate its wealth. All this stems from the wound of original sin on human nature, and the root of sin is essentially the inner restlessness and dissatisfaction with the present state that lies deep within each person. Just as our first parents did—who were discontented with the wisdom and discernment God had given them—sin seized the opportunity, and the devil’s deceit succeeded.

Similarly, when participating in the Mass, we often indulge in the sacred music of the liturgy, fix our gaze on the demeanour of the celebrant and ministers at the altar, or desire the Mass to end sooner so we can receive some food at the parish entrance afterward. Yet we forget all that God reveals to us through His servant in the Sacrifice of the Mass; we neglect the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ received in the Eucharist; and we overlook the need to live out the spirit of the Gospel in daily life. In the life of the Christian community, the roles we hold may bring us closer to God, but we forget that without God’s grace, everything we possess now would amount to nothing. We even think that having all the wealth of this world could replace God. This is precisely the source of our weakness.

Today, our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was tempted by the devil, did not yield to him. Instead, He defeated the devil with every word that comes from the mouth of God. Likewise, when we are weak, we must cling closely to the Word of God, using it as a weapon to overcome all temptations and difficulties.

Grant, almighty God,
through the yearly observances of holy Lent,
that we may grow in understanding
of the riches hidden in Christ
and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica