The First Sunday of Lent in all three years of the Lectionary has the temptations in the desert as the Gospel. Clearly, the Church is aware that a major aspect of the Christian life is the danger of being derailed from following "the Way" by temptation. This is apparent also in the parable of the Sower of the Seed. The appetites, earthly power and fame are the three temptations placed by Satan before Jesus to dissuade him from his mission. In each of his replies to these blandishments Jesus does not rely on his own strength but emphasizes his dependence on the Father: "One does not live by bread alone," (Lk 4: 4) "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him," (Lk 4: 8) and "Do not put the Lord your God to the test." (Lk 4: 12) These answers need to be ours as we look forward to the journey through Lent to the Easter Triduum. The action of grace in us is the most important aspect of our lives rather than some feeble and futile efforts at self-improvement that do not benefit others and do not bring us closer to God.
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