The focus of the First Sunday of Lent is always the temptation of Jesus in the desert, and Luke’s version differs from the other synoptic accounts in the way he places the final temptation in Jerusalem. You might not have noticed it before, but Jesus was also tempted while he was on the Cross in Jerusalem. Take a quick look at Luke 23: 35-36, and you will see that the crowd and soldiers are mocking Jesus with almost the same remarks the devil makes here in chapter 4: “Save yourself!” So Luke is drawing parallels between the temptation in the desert and Jesus’ suffering on the Cross.
Before we get into the three temptations in the desert, please take note that this story takes place immediately after Jesus’ baptism. Confirmed as the Son of God and filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus is led into the desert for forty days by that same Spirit. And what are the three temptations?
First there is the temptation of human need. Jesus is fasting. He is hungry and weak. The devil dangles Jesus’ title over him: “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” But Jesus’ sole sustenance is God. Quoting Scripture – Deuteronomy 8:3 – he tells the devil: “One does not live on bread alone.”
Jesus’ second encounter with the devil is the temptation of political messianism. The devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in a single instance and says: “All this will be yours, if you worship me.” Jesus replies: “You shall worship the Lord your God. Him alone shall you serve.”
The final encounter is the temptation of the abuse of power. Now in Jerusalem, the devil makes Jesus stand on the parapet of the temple and again dangles his title over him: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here!” And then the devil quotes Scripture! “He will command his angels to guard you . . . lest you dash your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91)
Certainly, Jesus had the power to do everything the devil tempted him to do. But Jesus again counters with God’s word from Deuteronomy 6:16 – “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
The Holy Spirit and the Word of God! That is how we will successfully journey with Jesus through Lent. Just as Jesus was tempted after his baptism, so we, too, are continually tempted since the days of our own baptism, even after graced encounters with God. In the story of his temptation in the desert, Jesus teaches us that if we arm ourselves with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we shall overcome any temptations to sin that come our way.
This Lent, let us immerse ourselves in Scripture as we walk with Jesus to Jerusalem. Come, Holy Spirit!
1st Sunday of Lent Entrance Antiphon When He Calls on Me (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #65
This text from Psalm 91 is also referenced in today’s Responsorial Psalm, in the Communion Antiphon, and in the Gospel. It is obviously an important psalm for Lent.
Entrance Chant Christ in Me Arise (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #278; Breaking Bread #503
Trevor Thomson’s uplifting song hearkens to themes from medieval music. There is a chant-like flow to this modal melody that perfectly houses lyrics that speak of our Lenten journey with Christ.
Responsorial Psalm Be With Me, Lord, When I Am in Trouble (Mary Kate Westrich)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 108
Here is a verbatim setting of today’s Responsorial Psalm by Mary Kate Westrich, one of OCP’s newest contemporary composers. Her chord changes are stunning.
Lenten Gospel Acclamation Glory to You, Word of God (Mass of St. Mary Magdalene)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: page 110
We do not sing “Alleluia” during Lent, as we replace that acclamation with several that can be found in the Lectionary. Sarah Hart’s setting from her Mass of St. Mary Magdalene supports today’s Gospel verse well.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Gracious God (Jesse Manibusan)
Spirit & Song #157; Breaking Bread #136
Jesse’s gentle “desert song” encourages us in our struggles during this holy season of repentance.
1st Sunday of Lent Communion Antiphon The Lord Will Conceal You [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #67
Once again, we turn to Psalm 91 for encouragement on our Lenten pilgrimage.
Communion Chant On Eagle’s Wings (Michael Joncas)
Spirit & Song #333; Never Too Young #27; Breaking Bread #565
A classic setting of Psalm 91, cited earlier in many of the proper texts for today’s liturgy. Fr. Joncas’ warm and reassuring melody has brought comfort to generations of Christians.
Sending Forth 40 Days (Matt Maher)
Spirit & Song #155; Never Too Young #173
Matt Maher’s reference to the “desert of temptation” in the refrain makes it an appropriate Sending song for this First Sunday of Lent, even as it looks forward to the Easter sacraments for those on the OCIA journey, “where springs of water drown and refresh you.”
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