In the Cycle of Sunday Readings, the oldest are those of Year A in Lent – these Gospels have accompanied the Church for many centuries. We must realise why: Lent was originally the time of immediate preparation of candidates for Baptism at Easter (something which has been reintroduced to the Church in the R.C.I.A.): those already baptised used it as a time to prepare for the renewal of Baptismal promises. This is why so much of the Scripture in Lent is about Baptism, New Life and Salvation. What is the new life of Baptism? What are we set free from? What is sin? We begin Lent by hearing about sin and temptation; the Gospel will tell us of Jesus’ own temptations, something he shares with us, though he did not sin. The other Scripture readings prepare us for the Gospel, in which Jesus, the new Adam, triumphs over temptation.
Today’s Scripture
(Psalter: Week 1)
Genesis 2: 7 – 9. 3: 1 – 7
Response: Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, God in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offence.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.
My offences truly I know them;
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.
A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.
Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of fervour sustain me.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.
(Sung Antiphon: Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.)
1 Romans 5: 12 – 19
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory!
Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment:
Love one another, just as I have loved you.”
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory!
Matthew 4: 1 – 11
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, have mercy
Why not take some time to rad Today’s Readings on Catholic Online?
