Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.

• Genesis 9:8-15
• 1 Peter 3:18-22
• Mark 1:12-15

Here it was already … the first Sunday of Lent.  Just a few days ago, the Pauline family had gathered at church for Ash Wednesday.  Their Lenten journey for this liturgical year had begun.

“You know,” Dad commented, “this is one of my favorite times of the year.”

“Lent?” Vincent questioned.  “But, Lent is the time we give up a lot of things.”

“That is true, Vincent,” Dad said, “and fasting from certain things is a great way to strengthen our prayer life and to help us realize what is and isn’t important.”

“But we also add things,” Mom said.  “And that is another great way to journey through the Lenten season.  We can pray extra rosaries, do charity work, perform acts of service, and spend more time in adoration.  I agree with your dad,” she summed up.  “It is one of my favorite times of the year.”

“So now, Family,” Dad stood up and said, “it is time for our first Gospel reading for Lent.  And the first Sunday of Lent always tells us the story of Jesus being tempted in the desert by Satan.”

“Why is that, Dad?” Mary Clare asked.  “Why is the first Gospel of Lent about temptation?”

“Excellent question, Mary Clare!” Dad acknowledged.  Then, to his family, he smiled and said, “Who thinks they might be able to come up with the answer?”

Heads were being scratched, eyes suddenly began looking down, and puzzled expressions took over the room.  Finally, Vincent said, “Because it is Lent … and Lent is kind of a tempting time for me … because you know, I gave up a bunch of things …  and sometimes it gets hard … and … “

Dad could see where Vincent was going with his comments.  “Right on, Vincent!” Dad nodded.  “I think you’ve got the idea.  Our Scripture reading for today gives us the Master’s example of overcoming the work of Satan.”

Dad then opened his Bible and read the passage from Mark, Chapter 1.  It was only a few sentences long.

“Is that it, Dad?” Lucy was the first to ask.  “That was a really short Gospel reading!”

“Short, yes,” Dad agreed, “but it says so much!”

“I liked the part about the angels!” Hillary spoke out. 

“Wonderful point, Hillary!” Mom said.  “This is an important part of the reading.  Jesus shows us that it is possible to resist temptation if you are focused on God, prayer, and the truth.  And just as Jesus had angels minister to Him during His time in the desert, we all have angels ready to help us during our Lenten journey and throughout the year!”

“Exactly!” Dad added.  “We can fight and conquer the works of Satan, and Satan can be defeated.  And our angels are right there, ready to help us!”

“Short Gospel passage … long Lent,” Vincent sighed.  “But knowing that Jesus made it for 40 days in the desert with that awful Satan, I should be able to make it 40 days myself!”

“And with the help of your angel!” Hillary exclaimed.            

Suddenly, all attention shifted to Mom who had gotten up and had now reappeared in the doorway.  She slowly processed into the room with the Lenten cross with one of its candles lit.  Five more candles were waiting to be lit as they would mark the Lenten passage toward the glorious Sunday of Easter … five more candles … the Lenten journey had begun.

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