This Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, on this first week of our Lenten preparation, our gospel reading brings us to a desert experience. Here, our Lord shows how temptations can be victoriously overcome. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.
Lent Begins this Sunday
Last Wednesday, we started the Season of Lent. It is meant to prepare us for the celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord; the central events in our faith. Following the Easter tradition of the Church where we renew our baptismal promises, the five weeks of Lent provide us with ample catechesis on our faith and how we can live our baptismal commitments fruitfully. With this in mind, our Sunday readings are all the more of significant importance.
Temptation and Satan
Satan, scripture tells us, is the prince of jealousy, bitterness, paranoia, obsession, and lies. Few things in life torment us and beat us up as badly as these. They lurk in every dark corner, come out from under our beds at night, generally threaten us, darken our days, dampen our joys, and make us anxious as to what might lie around the corner.
In the Sunday Gospel, the devil tempts Jesus as he spends forty grueling days fasting in the desert. After three unsuccessful attempts, our Lord drives the devil away. This is a lesson to keep in mind during Lent and throughout our lives. Living in the ‘desert’ of this world, we need to follow our Lord’s example. Click here to view all the homilies we have compiled for this First Sunday in Lent (Cycle C).
The Pope's Resigns
Of course, the big news in the Catholic world is that Pope Benedict is renouncing his office. At the same time, Ash Wednesday kicked off the season of Lent this week. And, in fact, Lent is a good time to pray for Pope Benedict and the upcoming conclave.
We have compiled a full resource on the pope's resignation and the other important events around our Catholic world in this week's issue of ParishWorld.net. You can find them by clicking here.
Another eventful week in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.
Keep the Faith. Peace.
Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief
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BURNING QUESTION: What is the Pope's influence in your life?
FEATURED BLOG: The Pope's last homily delivered on Ash Wednesday
PASTORAL HISPANA: Cuaresma es ir al desierto
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