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.

SOCL, 06A

Sunday, February 15, 2026

See

It is clear already in the Old Testament that it is not our misdeeds which accuse us before God, but our hearts, fractured and divided as they are. Consistent with Israelite teaching, Jesus insists that we go deeper than our external deeds. The important question is what is going on in our hearts, the source of inner thoughts and motivations? The teaching is presented using various examples, presented sometimes with great simplicity, other times with irony and wit.

Listen

Sirach 15:15-21; Psalm 119 (118); 1 Cor 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37

Reflect

(Matthew 5: 17-37)

-In this section of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus proposes standards that go beyond external ways of behaviour but challenge how we feel in our hearts. When have you found that living out of inner conviction is more life-giving than keeping up appearances?

-Jesus applies his teaching to feelings of anger and sexual desire. He suggests that if we do not keep an eye on our feelings and thoughts we will not be able to control our actions. Perhaps you have experienced the truth of this. What has helped you to integrate your feelings so that you were able to live in right relationship with yourself and others?

-For Jesus, persons with genuine authenticity do not need to swear an oath to be convincing. Their ‘yes’ or ‘no’ suffices. Recall people who had this kind of credibility for you. When have you found that your simple, direct and honest communication had a positive persuasive force?

Pray

All-seeing God, you alone judge rightly our inmost thoughts. Teach us to observe your law from the heart even as we keep it outwardly. Purify our desires, calm every anger, and reconcile us to one another. Then will our worship at your altar render you perfect praise. 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.

SOCL, 05A

Sunday, February 08, 2026

See

We can easily see how Jesus should be the light of the world. Even though the words are familiar, we are perhaps unaccustomed to reflecting on ourselves as the light of the world and salt of the earth. This is an act of profound trust in us by God. Jesus has faith in us to be bearers of his Good News in our time. How are we to be that? Not first by our words or even by our deeds. We are the light and salt on account of who we are as disciples. As the Gospel text puts it, a city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. We cannot help being seen as his disciples, for that is who we are.

Listen

Isaiah 58:7-10; Psalm 112 (111); 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16

Reflect

(Matthew 5:13-16)

-Jesus uses the image of salt as something that makes food tasty. Without it food can be tasteless. Who are the people who give zest to your life and make it enjoyable? For whom have you done this? When have you been particularly aware of your potential in this regard?

-The second image is that of light. Who have been the people who have been a light for you, particularly in moments of darkness? For whom have you been a light? Recall these experiences and give thanks.

-The images of salt and light can also be applied to communities to which we belong, a family, a parish, or other group. Thinking of the groups of which you are a member, how can the potential be enhanced to enrich the lives of members and offer them a guiding light?

Pray

Heavenly Father, you have called your church to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Give us vigorous faith and a love that is genuine, so that all may see our works and give you the glory. We make our prayer through Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.