SOCL, Lent1A

Sunday, February 22, 2026

See

The temptations of Jesus are not at all temptations to this or that sin but rather fundamental options which matter for the direction of his life. Jesus was tempted in the course of his ministry to choose other ways of being God’s prophet, the Messiah or anointed one. In a less obvious way, we too can be attracted by choices which can shape the way our life unfolds. We ask ourselves, what do I live on? What’s my true goal? Where is my nourishment? The human, no less than the Kingdom, is more than food and drink. Only the Word of God truly nourishes and illuminates.

Listen

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Psalm 51 (50); Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

Reflect

(Matthew 4: 1-11)

In today’s gospel Jesus is enticed to gratify his own needs, or to perform some spectacular act in public. He rejects the temptation because he chooses commitment to his mission and dependence on his Father over any immediate gratification. We can all be tempted to go for some immediate satisfaction...but is that where true happiness lies? Have you found that sometimes it can be more life-giving to say “no” to your immediate desires for the sake of some long-term goal? What are the goals, aims, values, which inspire you in this way?

One way of looking at this gospel is to say that Jesus went into the desert to face his demons. We all have demons we need to face—compulsions, fears, prejudices, anger, and urges that lurk within. It is in facing our demons that we find a way to live a fuller life. Can you recall a time when you grew through facing a “demon” in this way?

Pray

Lord our God, in every age you call a people to hear your word and to do your will. Renew us in these Lenten days: washed clean of sin, sealed with the Spirit and sustained by your living bread, may we remain true to our calling and, with the elect, serve you alone. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Word today, Lent1A

February 23 - February 28, 2026

Monday 23 February

St Polycarp, bishop and martyr

Leviticus 19:1-2,11-18 The Old Testament has a very high moral vision—expressed quite concretely and practically in this reading. Even though the text is very old, the teaching still speaks today. The examples given illustrate how we may be compassionate and just or, in a word, holy.

Matthew 25:31-46 Our Gospel is really more a tableau than a parable. Very simply, our choices have consequences.

Tuesday 24 February

Isaiah 55:10-11 The readings of Lent do indeed challenge, but they also encourage. Today we hear of God’s effective word, carrying out what it says. One way to listen might be to ask: has this been true for me in my life? Have I found the word of God an effective in my hearing and living?

Matthew 6:7-15 We often tend to separate worship and life. The prophets of old often pointed this out and Jesus does so again in the context of the Lord’s Prayer. Simps put, prayer from the heart, leads to forgiveness from the heart. The can be no separation.

Wednesday 25 February

Jonah 3:1-10 The ironic book of Jonah is serious about conversion as we see from the reaction not only of the humans, but even the beasts, herds and flocks!

Luke 11:29-32 There is more to the Gospel than a reference back to Jonah. Are we such a generation, unmoved and complacent?

Thursday 26 February

Esther 4:12, 14-16, 23-25 In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches and encourages prayer of petition. Accordingly, in the first reading, Queen Esther makes a very moving and heart-felt prayer of petition.

Matthew 7:7-12 Jesus’ teaching on prayer can still take us by surprise — it all seems to simple. There is, however, really only one petition: may your kingdom come.

Friday 27 February

St Gregory of Narek abbot, doctor of the Church

Ezekiel 18:21-28 We can all change and repentance is a possibility always on the table. This is God’s desire for us — and our slightly threatening reading is finally positive.

Matthew 5:20-26 Following the best Jewish tradition, Jesus teaches that sin comes from the heart, from within. It is our attitudes which count, in every sense. The risk of any formal worship is to think that when we’ve done that, we’re done. No way, as Jesus illustrates in the appended parable.

Saturday 28 February

Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Against the background of the covenant, Moses outlines our side of the bargain. Notice that we are to keep his commands with our heart. The Gospel takes that a step deeper.

Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus demands of us a deeper and more costly love, taking us well beyond the conventional and even the natural.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2026p, February 22). First Sunday of lent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022226.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings

One another, Lent1A

February 22, 2026

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Psalm 51 (50); Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing, we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others, offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world:

For the Church: that the Spirit will deepen our identity as daughters and sons of God, inspire us on our Lenten journey, and help us to live as faithful disciples: let us pray to the Lord.

For one another: that the prayer, fasting, and almsgiving of Lent may bring forth a new springtime of faith in our lives: let us pray to the Lord.

For the grace of conversion: that the Spirit will help us to recognize our dependence upon God and free us from our pride which seeks to convince us that we can save ourselves: let us pray to the Lord.

For all believers: that we may grow in our relationship with God by frequent reflection on the Word of God and reception of the Bread of Life: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have been chosen for the Easter sacraments: that God will draw them closer and help them to turn toward all that is holy and good: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are alienated from the Church: that God will touch their hearts and lead them to a renewal of faith and a reconnection with the community of faith: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who struggle with attraction to wealth, power, and control: that God will free their hearts and guide them to a life of faith and trust: let us pray to the Lord.

For those who struggle with addiction: that the Spirit of God will help them recognize the harm that follows from addictive behavior and give them the strength to make life- giving choices: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who must fast every day: that our fasting may make us more aware of the homeless, refugees, and those recovering from natural disasters and our hearts more generous toward them: let us pray to the Lord.

For our legislators: that the Spirit will lead them to new insights concerning the poor and powerless as they prepare budgets and reorganize programs: let us pray to the Lord.

For deeper respect for the world which God created: that we may recognize the land, water, and air as God's gifts to all the human family and be good stewards of them: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have experienced abuse: that God will heal their pain, refresh their spirits, and free them from fear: let us pray to the Lord.

For all victims of gun violence: that God will heal their physical and emotional wounds, give eternal rest to those who have died, and inspire us with new ways to end violence in our society: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are homebound: that they may experience God’s presence in their prayer, in their family members, and in the visits from members of their faith community: let us pray to the Lord.

For greater respect for all human life: that we may honor God’s gift of life, promote the dignity of each person, and work to end capital punishment: let us pray to the Lord.

Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2026p, February 22). First Sunday of lent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022226.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.