This Week's Gospel - 1st Sunday of Lent


 Reference: Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry, and the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.” But he replied, “Scripture says: Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The devil then took him to the holy city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down; for scripture says: He will put you in his angels’ charge, and they will support you on their hands in case you hurt your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “Scripture also says: You must not put the Lord your God to the test.” Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “I will give you all these,” he said, “if you fall at my feet and worship me.” Then Jesus replied, “Be off, Satan! For scripture says: You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.” Then the devil let him, and angels appeared and looked after him .

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Suggestion for praying the Gospel / Readings in a way that is personal:

If possible find a quiet place for whatever time you plan to spend in meditation and prayer (if possible 20 minutes). Relax, ask the Holy Spirit to relax you.

  • Be open, desiring God, receptive, with a listening heart. Don't worry if you get distracted. Gently come back to the Gospel.
  • Read the Gospel; ask the Holy Spirit to bring it alive to you. Possibly a word or sentence will strike you in a personal way.
  • Mull over the story, being receptive to how Jesus came to you, either in word or gesture. Be in no hurry to move on. Just let the Lord love you through His Word.
  • Be still and silent at times but also chat with the Lord (not just asking for things). Try not to cut short the time you planned to spend in prayer. Staying there with God when there's not much feedback, can be a real way of showing you love him.

(see also Missal Texts in Twelve Languages)