{email_subject}

Lectio Divina Newsletter

Dear Friend,

In this Lenten Newsletter we reflect on Matthew 4:1-11 the Temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.

Bishop David Waker reflects on the way the devil seeks to tempt Jesus to deny his true identity.

Fr John Frauenfelder introduces us to the major themes of the Lenten journey and Dr Laure Woods considers the readings for the First Sunday in Lent.

Virginia Ryan ponders just how cunning the devil is in Matthew 4:1-11.

We remember Sr Verna Holyhead sgs wise words:

~
On this First Sunday in Lent we are invited to enter into two privileged biblical places, the garden and the desert, and reflect on the testing of our fidelity to God in these symbolic contexts.

~

Thank you for your ongoing support.

The Temptation of Jesus

David Walker

Matthew 4:1-11 – The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness Lent always brings us into the desert, and it is no accident that the Church places before us this Gospel of the Temptation of Jesus on the First Sunday. Before we speak of fasting, prayer, or sacrifice, we are invited to look at Christ – led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Notice that carefully: it…

The Desert Experience

Fr. Brendan Byrne

Deuteronomy 6-8 provides the essential background to Matthew’s account of the testing of Jesus told in the Gospel (4:1-11). As God’s covenant people, Israel could expect to receive protection and food (manna) from God during her forty-year sojourn in the desert of Sinai before entrance into the promised land. Israel was not to put God to the test by trying to force God’s hand in these areas. The…

Learning from Lent

Fr. John Frauenfelder

Every year the purpose of Lent is the same: Prepare for Easter. Yet every year there are new, rich, and wonderful things we can learn about God and ourselves as we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and ascension into glory. During Lent the Church focuses our attention on two themes, baptismal and penitential. Indeed, the Lenten season has a twofold character: 1) it recalls…

First Sunday of Lent – Year A

Laurie Woods

Today’s readings focus on the result of humans surrendering to the temptation to think and act in opposition to the way of the Lord. Sin comes from misplaced love where self overtakes all other considerations. Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Today’s extract from Genesis contains some of the richest symbolism in the Bible. The man in this passage is fashioned out of the dust of the earth –…

Lectio Reflection – First Sunday of Lent – Matthew 4:1-11 (Year A 2026)

This morning we're reading about Jesus being tempted in the desert. It's a temptation against his role as son as he's just been affirmed the son. Jesus resp that man…

Lectio Reflection – Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time – Matthew 5:17-37 (Year A 2026)

In the gospel today Jesus points out that the Jewish tradition is still important but it is to be interpreted in the light of his coming and the resurrection. Welcome…

Unsubscribe | Manage your subscription | View online