1st SUNDAY OF LENT (A) 13.3.2011
(at Stanbrook Abbey)
Gen: 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Rom. 5:12-19; Mt. 4:1-11
Today’s Gospel echoes the theme of temptation and decision found in the First Reading. We might ask why Jesus should refuse the challenge to turn stones into bread. After all, each of the Gospels shows him exercising power over matter: turning water into wine; calming the storm; walking on the Sea of Galilee. Why not, then, underline his power by saying to Satan – “Fine, I shall do this, and then one or two other things to make my point even more clearly – so there!” Why miracles then and not now.
Jesus’ response shows that he is addressing two audiences: the Tempter and us. As with his Passion, we see a Saviour who takes the reality of human vulnerability – and the example it sets us – very seriously. So, all his actions – and particularly his miracles – are meaningful signs of God’s power; not ways to evade the cost of taking on our human limitations. They invite us to believe – but do not coerce us
Satan glibly and plausibly quotes Scripture. However, his theme is self-affirmation, adulation, the ‘me-first’ principle. In this episode Jesus voluntarily forgoes his right to change matter, and by doing so, shows us a better way – a different path from that of Adam and Eve. In self-forgetfulness and patient trust, we possibly do more to co-operate with his great work of salvation. than by sometimes over-earnest and obsessive lists of good resolutions which risk crumbling to dust before the end of Ash Wednesday. It should be an encouraging thought.