Jesus is the new Adam and the true Israel.  For he says “no” to the devil and “yes” to God.  We too must say “no” to the devil and “yes” to God. 

Yes, Jesus stays true while the first Adam gave in to temptation (CCC 539).  No, the latter did not defy the serpent, so he disobeyed his Creator.

Jesus also fulfills Israel’s calling in a perfect way. That is because he shows that he is God’s wholly obedient Servant.  So, he is in no way like those who provoked God during forty days in the desert. 

And he vanquishes the Tempter for us (CCC 540).  He teaches us to get the better of temptations, so we are no prey to the devil.  Hence, we should know well our Master’s temptations; they are the same ones we must beat to stay true to him.

We hear that we are just animals.  That to be whole, it is enough that we survive as individuals or as species.  Yet we are humans who need God and his word to be all that we can be.  We cannot go it alone.  So, better to  seek first God’s kingdom and justice.  There will thus be bread, and other things besides, for all. 

There is the test too to test God boastfully.  That is, to force him to show up for our own glory.  But would this not be no more than to mistake showing off with God’s glory?

We are prodded to stand in awe of the one who promises us all the kingdoms of the world.  In fact, many turn to him and to his minions and drink in all their words.  Yes, tyrants and the great ones who oppress are monsters.  But many admire them still.

Jesus, though, worships God only and, no, he does not come to be served but to serve.  And to give up his body and to shed his blood for others.

Lord Jesus, let no temptation lure us to believe that we suffice to ourselves and do not depend on God.  Through your obedience, deliver us from all disobedience to God’s word.  And grant us to put no trust in our efforts but just in God; we will thus be put in no shame at all (SV.EN II:323-324)

22 February 2026
1st Sunday of Lent (A)
Gen 2, 7-9; 3, 1-7; Rom 5, 12-19; Mt 4, 1-11