Scripture Reflection - February 22, 2026

First Sunday of Lent

First Reading: Genesis 2: 7-9; 3:1-7

Psalm: 51

Second Reading: Romans 5: 12-19

Gospel: Matthew 4: 1-11

Today’s first reading from Genesis is about the fall of Adam and Eve. It could be subtitled easy come, easy go. They had everything in the Garden of Eden—life, nourishment, love, each other, and the presence of the Creator. It was perfect. But in one moment of weakness, they let their guard down and succumbed to temptation by Satan. Suddenly, the tranquility of their lives was shattered and lost forever. However, their Creator never abandoned them, just as our Creator never abandons us. There is always redemption…something that Satan is powerless to provide.

The Psalm speaks of cleansing, of God’s mercy and forgiveness. The requirement is that we acknowledge our failures and ask for forgiveness. Once our spirit is renewed, we can be thankful by praising God.

St. Paul encourages the faithful in Romans: where there is sin, there is also abundant grace.

In the Gospel, just as Jesus allowed himself to be tempted, we too are confronted with moments of temptation. Tempted by bodily comfort and pleasure, by the pursuit of wealth and power, and by the desire for the esteem of others. What we learn from our brother Jesus, is to say “Begone, Satan,” when temptation stands before us. Reject the tempter and trust in the saving power of God. 

Therefore, as we step into our Lenten journey, let us pray for the grace that carried Jesus through the desert. Our deserts may not be made of stone and sand, but in today’s reality, our deserts may be loneliness, abandonment, or uncertainty. We must remember that we are surrounded by legions of angels and filled with God’s grace.

Blessings on your Lenten journey towards Easter.

Sr. Joan Agro, OP