THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT, YR A
Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Psalm 51
Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-4
NEWNESS THROUGH CHRIST AT LENT
Our second reading for today is Paul’s letter to the Romans. Here he talks to them and us, about sin. he uses the word sin as a noun. Paul sees sin as a powerful force that has threatened man and has made man restless and desperate until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The holy season of Lent is an opportune moment for us to deal, fight and overcome this domineering force. Through our Lenten observances and commitment, we train ourselves to grip of death over us and embrace life that comes from Jesus Christ.
The effect of this deadly spiritual force, sin, is death. Death is the result of sin. We would recall that in Genesis, God had declared or warned Adam and Eve that they would die if they ate the fruit (Gen 2:17). But unfortunately, they did not heed God’s warning. This disobedience is what brought death to all men. Indeed, death occurred in two ways;
There was a break in their relationship with God. By sinning they lost their closeness to God. This is evident in the fact that, before the disobedience they were so close to God as to have conversations with him and even “take a walk” with him but after the sin they began to hide and shy away from such a loving relationship with God.
Secondly, they would die, because their life would now have a limited existence on Earth.
What Paul teaches is that, we too come to share in this sin and its consequences as sharers of their human nature. This is the cooperate dimension of sin. We all suffer separation from God. Whereas we can be spared the guilt of their individual sin, we are not spared the consequences.
This kind of death, separation from God and the weakness in doing what is good passes on to all who now have the nature of Adam(man). This is what Paul means when he says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). At this moment it seemed all was lost for humanity’s relationship with God. But in our reading today, Paul makes us understand that God himself comes to our rescue in an even spectacular way. He says the gift was not like the sin, and that is true. The gift of God’s salvation was bigger than the sin of man.
Jesus is the gift. The only begotten son of God through whom grace and life comes to all men. Through his paschal mystery, he brought an end to sin and death so that all who believe in him, even unto his name, he gives power to become children of God for they are born anew not by flesh but by the will of God the Father. (John 1:12-13). In Jesus there is restoration of everlasting life for all. Do you believe? Are you ready for this new life?
As sin brings fear, shame, guilt and condemnation, the grace of Christ Jesus brings newness, restoration and freedom.
In our humanity, we are weak; we faulter and sin a lot. As you read this, you may be at that point in your life where sin is what defines you. In fact, it’s as if you are addicted to sin. You find yourself reasoning out your sin. You are now on the look out to violently attack anyone who talks about your sin. You are ashamed but you console yourself that others are doing same.
My friend, this is the helplessness from which Christ has come to save us. We all have our difficulties and weakness but Jesus has come to deliver us from it all. He brings some spring of newness and freedom. Are you ready for it.
He invites you to exchange your sin for the grace of God. He desires to bring peace and joy that comes from the forgiveness of God.
In this season of lent, with Jesus, we win ourselves off our addiction to sin and its control of our lives and submit to the sovereignty of God. We ask him to revive us and give us new life.
Are you ready to start anew? See a priest and go for confession and begin your journey to newness this season. May Jesus form in you a new life of grace.
God bless you.
BY Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
