Dear sisters and brothers, It is very easy to fall into temptations if we are craving for many things and if we have problems with our identity. Fr. Cielo

1. Welcome to our BibleWelcome to our Bible
StudyStudy
March 9, 2014
1st
Sunday of Lent A
In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy
As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFMPrepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

3. 11stst
reading: Genesis 2,7-9; 3,1-7reading: Genesis 2,7-9; 3,1-7
Creation of Man / Setting
 2,7 The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew
into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being. 8
Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and he placed
there the man whom he had formed. 9 Out of the ground the LORD God
made various trees grow that were delightful to look at and good for food,
with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the
knowledge of good and bad.
TemptationTemptation
 3,1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the animals that the
LORD God had made. The serpent asked the woman, "Did God really tell
you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?" 2 The woman
answered the serpent: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden;
3 it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God
said, 'You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.'" 4 But the serpent
said to the woman: "You certainly will not die! 5 No, God knows well that
the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like
gods who know what is good and what is bad." 6 The woman saw that
the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining
wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some
to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both
of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked; so they
sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
The focus is on the temptation.

4. 11stst
reading: Genesis 2,7-9; 3,1-7reading: Genesis 2,7-9; 3,1-7
Creation / Setting
 2,7 The LORD God
formed man out of the
clay of the ground and
blew into his nostrils the
breath of life, and so man
became a living being. 8
Then the LORD God
planted a garden in
Eden, in the east, and he
placed there the man
whom he had formed. 9
Out of the ground the
LORD God made various
trees grow that were
delightful to look at and
good for food, with the
tree of life in the middle
of the garden and the
tree of the knowledge of
good and bad.
Commentary
 The text comes from the second
story of creation (2,4b--3,24).
 The first creation story (1,1-2,4a)
 God creates man out of clay and his
breath. v.7
 God also creates a garden and
settles the man there.v.8
 God again creates. This time he
creates trees. v.9
 Delightful to see
 Good for food
 There are two trees of special
interest:
 Tree of life
 Tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

5. Temptation
 3,1 Now the serpent was
the most cunning of all the
animals that the LORD God
had made. The serpent
asked the woman, "Did
God really tell you not to
eat from any of the trees in
the garden?" 2 The woman
answered the serpent: "We
may eat of the fruit of the
trees in the garden; 3 it is
only about the fruit of the
tree in the middle of the
garden that God said, 'You
shall not eat it or even
touch it, lest you die.'" 4
But the serpent said to the
woman: "You certainly will
not die! 5 No, God knows
well that the moment you
eat of it your eyes will be
opened and you will be like
gods who know what is
good and what is bad."
 In 3,1 the author (Yahwist) personifies
the serpent. The author makes him
speak and talk to the woman.
 The serpent asks a seemingly
innocent question, but truth is, he
plays on the woman’s weakness (or
challenges God’s authority).
 In vv.2-3, the woman entertains the
cunning serpent (snake) and this is a
big mistake.
 In vv.4-5, the serpent again speaks in
a more convincing manner.
 He subverts the threat of death.
 He assures of the good effect once she
will eat of it.
 Their eyes will be opened.
 They will become like gods who know
everything (merismus: good and bad)

6. The Fall
 6 The woman saw that
the tree was good for
food, pleasing to the
eyes, and desirable for
gaining wisdom. So
she took some of its
fruit and ate it; and she
also gave some to her
husband, who was with
her, and he ate it. 7
Then the eyes of both
of them were opened,
and they realized that
they were naked; so
they sewed fig leaves
together and made
loincloths for
themselves.
 V.6 reveals the woman’s inner craving
for three reasons:
 Good for food
 Pleasing to the eyes
 Desirable for gaining wisdom
 In v.6b, the woman acts to satisfy her
desire.
 She takes some of its fruit and eats it
 She also gives some to her husband.
(She does extra.)
 It is a violation of God’s command. (Gen
2,16-17)
 V.7 mentions the unexpected result.
 Yes, their eyes are opened, but they have
not attained wisdom.
 Instead, they see their nakedness
(vulnerability).
 They are ashamed.
 They sew fig leaves and make loincloths
to cover their bodies.
 They do not become like gods.

7. Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst
readingreading
 We must know our limits.
 We must be wise enough on whom to listen to.
 We must discern where the voice, inducing us to
do something, is coming from:
 From God or from our subliminal needs?
 If we want to know everything, to taste
everything, to always satisfy our appetites, if we
want to be like the gods…forget it.
 We are courting disaster.
 We are playing with fire.
 Let’s learn from the mistake of Adam and Eve.

8. Resp. Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17Resp. Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17
 R. (cf. 3a)R. (cf. 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
 3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.and of my sin cleanse me.
 5 For I acknowledge my offense,5 For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:and my sin is before me always:
6 “Against you only have I sinned,6 “Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.”and done what is evil in your sight.”
 12 A clean heart create for me, O God,12 A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
13 Cast me not out from your presence,13 Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
 16 Give me back the joy of your salvation,16 Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.and a willing spirit sustain in me.
17 O Lord, open my lips,17 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

9. Resp. Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17Resp. Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17
 R. (cf. 3a)R. (cf. 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, forBe merciful, O Lord, for
we have sinned.we have sinned.
 3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your
goodness;goodness;
in the greatness of your compassionin the greatness of your compassion
wipe out my offense.wipe out my offense.
4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.and of my sin cleanse me.
 5 For I acknowledge my offense,5 For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:and my sin is before me always:
6 “Against you only have I sinned,6 “Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.”and done what is evil in your sight.”
 12 A clean heart create for me, O God,12 A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
13 Cast me not out from your presence,13 Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
 16 Give me back the joy of your16 Give me back the joy of your
salvation,salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.and a willing spirit sustain in me.
17 O Lord, open my lips,17 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim yourand my mouth shall proclaim your
praise.praise.
Commentary
 The psalm is full of parallelisms.
 A parallelism is a style of saying the same thing
in different ways (different vocabularies).
 In v.3, the psalmist, a repentant sinner
(supposedly David), asks God for mercy and
compassion. (Prayer for Mercy)
 In vv.3b-4, three times the psalmist asks God to
show his mercy by
 Wiping out his offense
 Washing from his guilt
 Cleansing of his sin
 In v.5, the psalmist admits his offense/ sin.
(Admission of Guilt)
 In v.6, the psalmist admits that his sin is
directed against God and flagrantly he has done
evil even in front of God.
 In v.12, the psalmist prays for cleansing
(=forgiving) and spirit of renewal.
 In v.13, the psalmist asks not to be cast out
from God’s fold.
 V.16 implies that that inner joy returns when
there is forgiveness.
 V.17 is a prayer to help us pray. It is God who
makes us pray.

10. Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm
 We must learn how to repent from our sins.We must learn how to repent from our sins.
 We do it in the context of prayer.We do it in the context of prayer.
 When repenting, we admit our guilt, our sins, our violations andWhen repenting, we admit our guilt, our sins, our violations and
transgressions.transgressions.
 When repenting, we ask for mercy, understanding, forgiveness,When repenting, we ask for mercy, understanding, forgiveness,
and loveand love
 When we are forgiven, we should experience serenity and joy inWhen we are forgiven, we should experience serenity and joy in
our heart. We should feel God’s spirit working in us again.our heart. We should feel God’s spirit working in us again.
 If we are always justifying ourselves by saying “I did not doIf we are always justifying ourselves by saying “I did not do
anything wrong, they are wrong,” we will never repent and weanything wrong, they are wrong,” we will never repent and we
will keep repeating the same mistakes.will keep repeating the same mistakes.
 Have you ever repented? Have you ever examined yourHave you ever repented? Have you ever examined your
conscience?conscience?
 Have you ever realized you offended someone by your carelessHave you ever realized you offended someone by your careless
speech, action (body language, foul gestures,speech, action (body language, foul gestures, patuchadapatuchada)?)?
 Pray for a good conscience.Pray for a good conscience.

11. 22ndnd
reading: Romans 5,12.17-19reading: Romans 5,12.17-19
The coming of sin and death
 12 Through one man sin entered the world, and through
sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as
all sinned.
Reign of life through Jesus
 17 For if, by the transgression of one, death came to reign
through that one, how much more will those who receive
the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification
come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ.
 18 In conclusion, just as through one transgression
condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous
act acquittal and life came to all. 19 For just as through
the disobedience of one man the many were made
sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be
made righteous.
The focus is on sin and grace.

12. 22ndnd
reading: Romans 5,12.17-19reading: Romans 5,12.17-19
The coming of sin and death
 12 Through one man sin entered
the world, and through sin, death,
and thus death came to all men,
inasmuch as all sinned.
Reign of life through Jesus
 17 For if, by the transgression of
one, death came to reign through
that one, how much more will
those who receive the abundance
of grace and of the gift of
justification come to reign in life
through the one person Jesus
Christ.
 18 In conclusion, just as through
one transgression condemnation
came upon all, so through one
righteous act acquittal and life
came to all. 19 For just as
through the disobedience of one
man the many were made sinners,
so through the obedience of one
the many will be made righteous.
CommentaryCommentary
 The reading recalls the fall of AdamThe reading recalls the fall of Adam
(and Eve) in Genesis.(and Eve) in Genesis.
 It is a theological reflection on the firstIt is a theological reflection on the first
reading.reading.
 The first parents fall into sin. TheThe first parents fall into sin. The
consequence is death.consequence is death.
 V.12 clarifies that all men and womenV.12 clarifies that all men and women
die, because they too commit sin.die, because they too commit sin.
Their death is not attributed solely toTheir death is not attributed solely to
the first parents.the first parents.
 V.17 speaks of the redemption ofV.17 speaks of the redemption of
humankind.humankind.
 Picking up the sin of one man as thePicking up the sin of one man as the
cause of death, we come back to lifecause of death, we come back to life
through the merit of one man also,through the merit of one man also,
Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ.
 Vv.18-19 further develop the idea ofVv.18-19 further develop the idea of
v.17.v.17.

13. Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd
readingreading
 Jesus dismantles sin and its consequence - death.Jesus dismantles sin and its consequence - death.
 Christ repairs (undoes) the damage done by the sin ofChrist repairs (undoes) the damage done by the sin of
our first parents.our first parents.
 How does he do it?How does he do it?
 Through obedience to God’s law.Through obedience to God’s law.
 By listening to the voice of the Father.By listening to the voice of the Father.
 We are saved from sin and death, by the merits of JesusWe are saved from sin and death, by the merits of Jesus
Christ.Christ.
 It is a big favor from God that our sin and guilt areIt is a big favor from God that our sin and guilt are
removed from us.removed from us.
 Let us live according to the likes of Christ, not the likes ofLet us live according to the likes of Christ, not the likes of
Adam and Eve.Adam and Eve.

14. Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11
Introduction
 1 At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2
He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.
Entrance of the Devil: 1st
temptation
 3 The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that
these stones become loaves of bread." 4 He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not
live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'"
2nd
temptation
 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the
temple, 6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is
written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will
support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, "Again it
is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'"
3rd
temptation
 8 Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms
of the world in their magnificence, 9 and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if
you will prostrate yourself and worship me." 10 At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away,
Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you
serve.'"
Exit of the devil
 11 Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
A simple outline!
The focus is on the temptations of Jesus.

15. Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11
Introduction
 1 At that time
Jesus was led
by the Spirit
into the
desert to be
tempted by
the devil. 2
He fasted for
forty days
and forty
nights, and
afterwards he
was hungry.
CommentaryCommentary
 In vv.1-2, we are told that Jesus is led by theIn vv.1-2, we are told that Jesus is led by the
SpiritSpirit (Holy Spirit),(Holy Spirit), into the desertinto the desert (arid place,(arid place,
without food, in contrast to the Garden),without food, in contrast to the Garden), to beto be
temptedtempted (tested)(tested) by the devil (evil one).by the devil (evil one).
 He fastedHe fasted (not eaten anything or no full meals)(not eaten anything or no full meals)
for 40 days and nightsfor 40 days and nights (symbolizing the(symbolizing the
Israelites’ wandering in the desert for 40 years).Israelites’ wandering in the desert for 40 years).
 Jesus gets hungry afterwards.Jesus gets hungry afterwards.
 TemptationsTemptations come when there is hunger.come when there is hunger.
 Why does Matthew place theWhy does Matthew place the temptationstemptations
here, not within the ministry of Jesus?here, not within the ministry of Jesus?
 According to some interpreters, theAccording to some interpreters, the
temptationstemptations are placed right before hisare placed right before his
ministry to tell us his method ofministry to tell us his method of
evangelization.evangelization.
 Will he gain people to God by satisfying theWill he gain people to God by satisfying the
craving and appetite for worldly valuescraving and appetite for worldly values
(money, power and prestige)?(money, power and prestige)?

16. Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11
Entrance of the
Devil: 1st
temptation
 3 The tempter
approached and said
to him, "If you are the
Son of God,
command that these
stones become
loaves of bread." 4
He said in reply, "It is
written: 'One does
not live by bread
alone, but by every
word that comes
forth from the mouth
of God.'"
.
 In v.3, the devil is identifiedIn v.3, the devil is identified as theas the temptertempter..
 TheThe temptertempter is subtle. He starts by saying, “If youis subtle. He starts by saying, “If you
are the son of God…”are the son of God…”
 Wow, but did not God tell us during Jesus’ baptismWow, but did not God tell us during Jesus’ baptism
that he is the son of God?that he is the son of God?
 And here comes the devil to confuse him and makeAnd here comes the devil to confuse him and make
him doubt that he is. The devil puts him into a crisishim doubt that he is. The devil puts him into a crisis
(identity crisis).(identity crisis).
 TheThe testtest is a matter of whom to listen to: God or theis a matter of whom to listen to: God or the
devil.devil.
 In v. 3 the devil says: command these stones toIn v. 3 the devil says: command these stones to
become bread.become bread.
 Jesus does not listen. He listens to God speakingJesus does not listen. He listens to God speaking
through the scriptures: “One does not live by breadthrough the scriptures: “One does not live by bread
alone…” v.4 (Dt 8,3).alone…” v.4 (Dt 8,3).
 This is the response of God when the IsraelitesThis is the response of God when the Israelites
complain there is no food in the desert.complain there is no food in the desert.
 Hunger should dispose this people to listen to theHunger should dispose this people to listen to the
Word of God.Word of God.

17. Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11
2nd
temptation
 5 Then the devil took him to the holy
city, and made him stand on the
parapet of the temple, 6 and said to
him, "If you are the Son of God, throw
yourself down. For it is written: 'He will
command his angels concerning you
and 'with their hands they will support
you, lest you dash your foot against a
stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, "Again
it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord,
your God, to the test.'"
3rd
temptation
 8 Then the devil took him up to a very
high mountain, and showed him all the
kingdoms of the world in their
magnificence, 9 and he said to him,
"All these I shall give to you, if you will
prostrate yourself and worship me."
10 At this, Jesus said to him, "Get
away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord,
your God, shall you worship and him
alone shall you serve.'"
Exit of the devil
 11 Then the devil left him and, behold,
angels came and ministered to him.
 In vv.5-6, the devil commands:In vv.5-6, the devil commands:
“throw yourself…” he also quotes the“throw yourself…” he also quotes the
bible (Ps 91,12). How dare him! Hebible (Ps 91,12). How dare him! He
shamelessly quotes the bible as if heshamelessly quotes the bible as if he
is listening to God.is listening to God.
 Jesus does not listen. He listens toJesus does not listen. He listens to
God speaking through the scriptures:God speaking through the scriptures:
“You shall not put the Lord to the“You shall not put the Lord to the
test.” v.7 (Dt 6,13)test.” v.7 (Dt 6,13)
 In vv.8-9, the devil says, “I will giveIn vv.8-9, the devil says, “I will give
you these kingdoms, if you worshipyou these kingdoms, if you worship
me…”me…”
 Jesus does not listen. He listens toJesus does not listen. He listens to
God speaking through the scriptures:God speaking through the scriptures:
You shall worship the Lord yourYou shall worship the Lord your
God…” v.10God…” v.10
 V.11 states the defeat of the devil.V.11 states the defeat of the devil.
And come the angels who take careAnd come the angels who take care
of him.of him.

18. 11stst
temptationtemptation
If you are the son of GodIf you are the son of God
22ndnd
temptationtemptation
If you are the son of GodIf you are the son of God
33rdrd
temptationtemptation
LocationLocation DesertDesert
No man’s landNo man’s land
(alone)(alone)
Holy City =Holy City = JerusalemJerusalem
Place of worship (manyPlace of worship (many
people)people)
High mountainsHigh mountains
Vantage pointVantage point
(few people)(few people)
Voice ofVoice of
the Devilthe Devil
(prioritize(prioritize
yourself, youryourself, your
needs)needs)
Stone into breadStone into bread
(wealth)(wealth)
Satisfy your craving forSatisfy your craving for
material things. You needmaterial things. You need
them for your campaign.them for your campaign.
Throw yourselfThrow yourself
down (prestige)down (prestige)
Satisfy your craving to beSatisfy your craving to be
popular (vanity). Youpopular (vanity). You
need a name for peopleneed a name for people
to follow you.to follow you.
Worship meWorship me (devil)(devil)
(power)(power)
Satisfy your cravingSatisfy your craving
for power. You can’tfor power. You can’t
make people followmake people follow
you if you don’tyou if you don’t
control the army.control the army.
Voice ofVoice of
GodGod
Not by bread, butNot by bread, but
word…word…
You need God’s Word, notYou need God’s Word, not
just material food, to livejust material food, to live
with dignity as children ofwith dignity as children of
Do not tempt theDo not tempt the
Lord…Lord…
Don’t presume God willDon’t presume God will
save you when yousave you when you
endanger yourself byendanger yourself by
Worship GodWorship God
alone…alone…
Don’t betray God toDon’t betray God to
pursue your personalpursue your personal
ambition.ambition.
For your further observation

19.  Jesus does not fall into any of the traps of the
devil. It is very tempting, very convenient, but
salvation is not cheaply attained.
 Following any of them, to prove himself, will spell
disaster to his true identity as the Son of God
and his mission to spread God’s reign.
 Jesus wants to teach us a new paradigm:
 Listening to the voice of God always.
 Never listen to the devil and compromise with it.

20. Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading
 Jesus is the model on how to handle temptations.Jesus is the model on how to handle temptations.
 Like Jesus, first of all, we must never doubt our identityLike Jesus, first of all, we must never doubt our identity
as children of God.as children of God.
 As such, we must act and decide accordingly.As such, we must act and decide accordingly.
 We must do our mission by following God’s way, not theWe must do our mission by following God’s way, not the
devil’s way.devil’s way.
 We must stand guard against entertaining possibilities ofWe must stand guard against entertaining possibilities of
a compromise because of a nice promise that comesa compromise because of a nice promise that comes
from an enticing intruder.from an enticing intruder.
 Once we compromise, give an inch to what contradictsOnce we compromise, give an inch to what contradicts
God, we spell our downfall.God, we spell our downfall.

21. Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm
 TheThe first readingfirst reading talks about Adam and Eve’s fall intotalks about Adam and Eve’s fall into
temptation.temptation.
 TheThe psalmpsalm is a prayer for mercy, for those who haveis a prayer for mercy, for those who have
fallen into temptation.fallen into temptation.
 TheThe second readingsecond reading talks about the triumph of Jesustalks about the triumph of Jesus
over sin and death. He does not fall into temptation.over sin and death. He does not fall into temptation.
 TheThe gospel readinggospel reading demonstrates how Jesusdemonstrates how Jesus
successfully handles the temptations.successfully handles the temptations.

22. How to develop your homily / sharingHow to develop your homily / sharing
 Temptations are here to stay.Temptations are here to stay.
 As long as we desire a lot of things, we areAs long as we desire a lot of things, we are
prone to be tempted.prone to be tempted.
 And we have more chances of falling into sin.And we have more chances of falling into sin.
 The “devil” triggers what is inside usThe “devil” triggers what is inside us (our inordinate(our inordinate
desires and thoughts).desires and thoughts).

23.  TheThe first readingfirst reading demonstrates the innate desiredemonstrates the innate desire
of human beings to know and possessof human beings to know and possess
everythingeverything ((pakialameropakialamero, gustong malaman ang lahat;, gustong malaman ang lahat; sakimsakim,,
gustong angkinin lahat, without limits).gustong angkinin lahat, without limits).
 In the process, we lose our innocence andIn the process, we lose our innocence and
vitality.vitality.
 We expose our vulnerability.We expose our vulnerability.
 We discover that we are not that smart.We discover that we are not that smart.
 We feel ashamed of ourselves.We feel ashamed of ourselves.
 What we discover put us into trouble.What we discover put us into trouble.

24.  TheThe gospel readinggospel reading demonstrates how Jesusdemonstrates how Jesus
Christ, who is disinterested in wealth, prestige andChrist, who is disinterested in wealth, prestige and
power and all those garbage, successfully fightspower and all those garbage, successfully fights
against the seductions of the devil.against the seductions of the devil.
 His only desire is to do the will of God. He listensHis only desire is to do the will of God. He listens
to the voice of God.to the voice of God.
 The voice of God is to establish God’s reign by:The voice of God is to establish God’s reign by:
 Listening to God’s Word, not by satisfyingListening to God’s Word, not by satisfying
appetitesappetites
 Living simply and ordinarily, not by trying toLiving simply and ordinarily, not by trying to
impressimpress
 Being focused to the one true God, not toBeing focused to the one true God, not to
anything bizarreanything bizarre

25.  If we are not formed by the Word of God,If we are not formed by the Word of God,
we easily give in to any temptation.we easily give in to any temptation.
 We have no qualms about committingWe have no qualms about committing
injustices, crimes, blunders and sin.injustices, crimes, blunders and sin.
 The voice of God (God’s Word) serves asThe voice of God (God’s Word) serves as
a reminder for us not to give in to what isa reminder for us not to give in to what is
evil.evil.

26.  TheThe second readingsecond reading reflects on the downfall (sin)reflects on the downfall (sin)
of the first parents and oursof the first parents and ours (1(1stst
reading)reading) and theand the
victory of Christ Jesus over the devilvictory of Christ Jesus over the devil (gospel).(gospel).
 Sin leads us to death; Christ brings us back toSin leads us to death; Christ brings us back to
life.life.
 Christ overcomes sin, because he never listensChrist overcomes sin, because he never listens
to the devil, nor to himself.to the devil, nor to himself.
 Besides, he has no worldly desires. He tooBesides, he has no worldly desires. He too
overcomes death.overcomes death.

27.  How do we handle the temptations
 To grab power?
 To steal other’s money?
 To be showy and ostentatious?
 To be unfaithful to our loved ones because somebody else is
seducing us?
 To consume what is more than necessary?
 To buy what we don’t need?
 To squander our hard earned money?
 To use our influence to get what we want?
 How do we handle temptations when there is no choice?
 Jesus’ answer is never compromise with the devil (no to “kapit sa
patalim”)
 We should not desire anything else but God.
 We take hold of our identity as children of God.
 We should decide die as children of God, in God’s loving hands,
not to die in disrepute.

28.  TheThe eucharisteucharist is the reward for those who resistis the reward for those who resist
temptations.temptations.
 ItIt is the sacrament that celebrates our victory over evil.is the sacrament that celebrates our victory over evil.
 TheThe eucharisteucharist strengthens us in our fight againststrengthens us in our fight against
temptations.temptations.
 Frequency in theFrequency in the eucharisteucharist assures us of God’s continuedassures us of God’s continued
support to our journey to holiness and fullness of life.support to our journey to holiness and fullness of life.

29. Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace
 Giant billboardsGiant billboards
 CommercialsCommercials
 Indecent suggestionsIndecent suggestions
 Compulsive buying, creditCompulsive buying, credit
cardscards
 Unlimited access toUnlimited access to
informationinformation
 ““The public has the rightThe public has the right
to know everything.”to know everything.” (using(using
it justify invasion to privacy)it justify invasion to privacy)
 Eavesdropping,Eavesdropping,
snooping, spyingsnooping, spying
 Stealing of secretsStealing of secrets
 Greed (money, property,Greed (money, property,
power)power)
 Aware of one’s limitationsAware of one’s limitations
 Listens to the voice ofListens to the voice of
God (God’s Word)God (God’s Word)
 In control of oneself (notIn control of oneself (not
easily seduced)easily seduced)
 Pure of heartPure of heart
 Has simple needsHas simple needs
 Tightly clings to GodTightly clings to God
 Uncompromising in termsUncompromising in terms
of spiritual and moralof spiritual and moral
issuesissues
 Nourished by God’s WordNourished by God’s Word

30. Suggested SongsSuggested Songs
 AshesAshes
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dO5kBOGnYAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dO5kBOGnYA
 HoseaHosea
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYhNWt03oE&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYhNWt03oE&feature=related
 Paano Namin MasasabiPaano Namin Masasabi
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVN-MThZQDshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVN-MThZQDs
 Reflection For Ash Wednesday (from Sambuhay)Reflection For Ash Wednesday (from Sambuhay)
 http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/22399089/332105447/name/E20110309_Ashttp://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/22399089/332105447/name/E20110309_As
hWednesday_A.pdfhWednesday_A.pdf

31.  Dear sisters and brothers,
 It is very easy to fall into temptations if we
are craving for many things and if we have
problems with our identity.
 Fr. Cielo