Fr. Paul AFOLABI

The readings of this Sunday place before us one of the most dramatic contrasts in the entire history of salvation: the fall of humanity and its restoration. The first reading recalls how Adam and Eve were deceived by the devil and committed the first sin – an act of disobedience that fractured humanity’s relationship with God.

The Gospel, however, presents as the new Adam, who confronts the same tempter, yet emerges victorious. The second reading assures us that the victory of Christ does not merely repair the damage of sin but overwhelmingly surpasses it.

This powerful contrast sets the tone for the Lenten season. Lent is a time when the Church invites us to reflect deeply on our sinfulness, but never in isolation from hope. It is also a season to contemplate Christ’s triumph through His obedience, death, and resurrection. Lent does not end in guilt; it leads us to grace. It is meant to help us understand ourselves more honestly, relate to others more compassionately, and give our lives a new meaning and direction.

One of the greatest challenges confronting humanity today is materialism. Modern society often measures success by what one owns, consumes, or enjoys. Life becomes centred on eating and drinking, comfort and pleasure, while deeper questions of meaning are pushed aside. Yet the Gospel confronts this mindset with a timeless truth: “Man does not live by bread alone.” Wealth continues to accumulate in the hands of a few, while many struggle to survive. The temptation to amass riches, manipulate systems, and exploit others grows stronger by the day. Our world – and very particularly our country – stands in need of redemption, not only materially, but spiritually.

The readings present two symbolic locations that speak directly to our human condition: the Garden of Eden and the Desert of Temptation. In both places, humanity is tempted. In the Garden, humanity falls. In the Desert, humanity is restored. This tells us something crucial: temptation is not new, and struggle is not a sign of failure. What matters is the choice we make when temptation confronts us.

Each of us has a desert of our own. For some, it is tension in marriage or family life. For others, it is financial pressure, hidden addictions, recurring weaknesses, or sins we battle repeatedly and quietly. Lent reminds us of an important truth: temptation itself is not sin; ‘giving in’ is. Jesus does not eliminate temptation, but He shows us that victory over it is possible.

His response to temptation teaches us practical lessons for daily life. When temptation comes, we must stand firm against the devil. We must not delay obedience, because delay often weakens resolve. We must not walk alone, pretending we are strong enough by ourselves. Above all, we must cling to God and draw our strength from Him.

As we begin this Lenten journey, we are invited to choose wisely. The contrast is clear and challenging: Adam chose self and lost paradise; Jesus chose obedience and restored humanity. Lent calls us to make that same movement – from disobedience to obedience, from self-will to God’s will, from sin to grace.

The devil tempted Jesus with selfishness, vanity, and ambition. These same temptations still haunt the human heart today. Which of them is most dangerous in our time? Which speaks most loudly to you right now? Lent is not only a season for reflection but for honest self-examination.

May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to walk with Christ, resist temptation, and arrive at Easter renewed, transformed, and victorious.

Amen.