The season of Lent is a Sacred season in the Church’s calendar, a time of preparation and renewal as we journey towards the celebration of Easter. It is a period marked by prayer, fasting and almsgiving, practices that will help us detach from worldly distractions and draw us closer to God. The first Sunday of Lent sets the tone for this journey, inviting us to reflect on the themes of trust, faithfulness and reliance on God. The first and the gospel readings offer profound insights into what it means to trust in God, especially in the times of trial. In the first reading the Israelites were called to remember God’s faithfulness as they offer the first fruits of their harvest.
In the gospel reading, we see our Lord Jesus’ victory over temptation in the wilderness, a testament of His unwavering trust in the Father. Both readings remind us that trust in God is not merely a theoretical concept but a lived reality, one that sustains us through the challenges of life. As we begin this Lenten journey, we are invited to examine our hearts. How do we respond when faced with trials? Do we turn to God in trust, or do we rely on our own strength? The readings challenge us to deepen our trust in God’s provision and faithfulness, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
The first reading of today from Deuteronomy 26:4-10 is set within the context of the Israelites’ entry into the Promised Land. After years of wandering in the wilderness, they are finally about to enjoy the fruits of the land God has given them. Moses instructs them to bring the first fruits of their harvest as an offering to God, a gesture of gratitude and trust. The offering of first fruits is a powerful symbol of trust. By giving the first and best of their produce, the Israelites acknowledged that everything they have comes from God.
This act of giving is not merely a ritual; it is a declaration of total dependence on God’s provision. It requires faith to give away the first fruits, not knowing what the rest of the harvest will yield. Yet, the Israelites are called to trust that God will provide for their needs. For us, this passage invites us to consider how we express our trust in God. Do we give Him the first fruits of our time, talents, and resources, or do we hold back out of fear or self-reliance? The act of giving is a tangible way to demonstrate our trust in God’s provision. The Gospel reading today recounts Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. After His baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert, where He fasted for forty days and nights and is tempted by the devil.
This passage echoes the Israelites’ forty years in the wilderness, but with a crucial difference: where they often failed to trust God, Jesus remains steadfast. The first temptation challenges Jesus to use His power to satisfy His physical hunger. After forty days of fasting, Jesus is undoubtedly hungry, and the devil tempted Him to turn stones into bread. Yet, Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This response highlights the importance of spiritual nourishment. While physical needs are important, they are not the ultimate source of life. True life comes from God and His Word. Jesus’ refusal to give in to this temptation demonstrates His trust in the Father’s provision.
For us, this temptation invites us to examine our priorities. Do we seek to satisfy our needs through our own efforts, or do we trust in God’s provision? In a world that often prioritizes material success, we are called to remember that true fulfillment comes from God. In the second temptation the Devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worshiping him. This temptation appeals to the desire for power and control. Yet, Jesus again responded with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.”
This response underscores the importance of worshiping God alone. It reminds us that true power and authority comes from God, not from worldly sources. Jesus’ refusal to compromise His allegiance to the Father is a model for us in our own lives. In our modern world, we are often tempted to seek power, success, or recognition at the expense of our relationship with God. This temptation challenges us to examine where we place our trust. Do we seek to control our own lives, or do we surrender to God’s will? The third temptation takes place at the pinnacle of the temple, where the devil challenges Jesus to throw Himself down, quoting Psalm 91:11-12 to suggest that God will send angels to protect Him. Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” This temptation challenges Jesus to test God’s faithfulness. Yet, Jesus refuses to manipulate God or demand proof of His care.
Instead, He trusts in the Father’s protection without needing to test it. For us, this temptation invites us to reflect on our own trust in God. Do we demand signs or proofs of His presence, or do we trust in His faithfulness even when we cannot see the way forward? Jesus’ example reminds us that true trust does not require evidence; it is rooted in a relationship of love and faith. The first and the gospel reading are united by the theme of trust. In the first reading, the Israelites were called to trust in God’s provision by offering their first fruits and remembering His past faithfulness. In the gospel reading, Jesus demonstrates perfect trust in the Father, resisting temptation and relying on Scripture.
Together, these passages remind us that trust is not a one-time act but a lifelong commitment, especially in the face of trials. Both readings emphasize the importance of trust in God’s provision and faithfulness. The Israelites were called to trust God with their material needs, while Jesus demonstrates trust in the face of spiritual and physical challenges. Together, these passages remind us that trust in God encompasses every aspect of our lives. Trusting in God’s provision and faithfulness is especially important in times of trial. The wilderness experiences of the Israelites and Jesus remind us that challenges are an inevitable part of life.
Yet, these challenges are also opportunities to deepen our trust in God. In our own lives, we may face trials such as illness, loss, or uncertainty. In these moments, we are called to remember God’s past faithfulness and to trust in His provision. Like the Israelites, we can recount the ways God has provided for us in the past. Like Jesus, we can turn to Scripture and prayer to sustain us in the present. During Lent, we are invited to cultivate trust through practices such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Fasting teaches us to rely on God rather than material comforts. Prayer deepens our relationship with Him and reminds us of His presence.
Almsgiving shifts our focus from ourselves to others, reflecting God’s generosity. In addition to these practices, we can cultivate trust by meditating on Scripture, particularly the passages that speak of God’s faithfulness. We can also reflect on our own experiences of God’s provision, keeping a journal of answered prayers and moments of grace. As we begin this Lenten journey, let us embrace the call to trust in God’s provision and faithfulness. Like the Israelites, let us remember His past acts of deliverance and provision. Like Jesus, let us rely on Scripture and prayer to sustain us in times of trial.
And let us take practical steps to deepen our trust, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Heavenly Father, as we enter this season of Lent, we ask for the grace to trust in Your provision and faithfulness. Help us to remember Your past blessings and to rely on Your Word in times of trial. Strengthen us to follow the example of Jesus, who trusted You completely. May this Lent be a time of deepening faith and renewed hope. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
• Rev. Fr. Clinton Ekemezie, Associate Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Ibeju Lekki.
