Dear John,

On this first Sunday of Lent, we hear of the temptation of Jesus in the desert.

With this account, we see that Jesus began His public ministry with both prayer and fasting. This is a good formula for us in our lives.

With every action that we make, we should start with prayer, asking for God’s guidance and Will in our lives. As St. Frances Xavier Cabrini said, “We must pray without tiring, for the salvation of mankind does not depend upon material success ... but on Jesus alone.”

Fasting, as well, is beneficial for each one of us. When unchecked, our passions begin to rule us. However, by fasting and self-denial, we are telling them who is the boss. We, then, become freer to direct our lives toward what is truly good, free to follow the good Lord more closely.

Without Jesus, our Lenten sacrifices would have no value. However, they have incredible value when we unite them with Christ. As we look to His ultimate sacrifice of love on the Cross, we can respond to His love with our love.

May our Lenten sacrifices bring us ever closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here are today’s Mass readings:

First reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10

Psalm: 91:1-2, 10-15

Second reading: Romans 10:8-13

Gospel: St. Luke 4:1-13

Here are a few EWTN programs that will help you grow closer to Christ this Lent:

LENTEN PARISH MISSION
From the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, the Very Reverend William Casey, C.P.M., Superior General of the Fathers of Mercy, discusses the act of prayer and its importance in our Catholic faith.

Saturdays, 2:00 PM (60 mins.)

THE PHILOSOPHER’S BENCH
Sit down with Dr. Thomas Howard and Dr. Peter Kreeft as they discuss everything from the application of moral law to society, to the importance of Christian themes in fiction.

March 7–11, 5:30 PM. (30 mins)

VATICAN ARCHIVES
Discover documented treasures of the Catholic Church in this special Vaticano episode. Fr. Mitch Pacwa travels to the Vatican’s Apostolic Archives to meet those who zealously guard its sacred history.

March 10, 10:30 AM (30 mins.)

May God bless you this first week of Lent.

In Christ,

Father Joseph

P.S. If you are inspired by this message, please forward it on to your loved ones.