First Sunday of Lent 2026

First Sunday of Lent: Facing Temptation with Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving | Mary’s Message PodcastCristy Murray and Father Perry Kenaston open the Lenten season on the First Sunday of Lent with prayer and a reflection on Jesus’ temptations in the desert. Father Perry connects the Gospel to everyday struggles such as doubt, sexual temptation, anger, gossip, and workplace compromises, emphasizing that temptation is part of the human condition and differs from giving in. He outlines three core temptations—self-centeredness, ignoring God by acting as the arbiter of morality, and sacrificing faith for power or advancement—and invites listeners to ask Jesus how to have a better Lent and become more like Him. The episode highlights the three Lenten practices as spiritual “weapons”: strengthening prayer through a schedule, fasting that targets unhealthy habits rather than superficial sacrifices, and almsgiving as concrete outreach to others. Father Perry also encourages a kind of spiritual “spring cleaning,” giving Jesus permission to prune spiritual baggage and surrender to God’s work. The hosts mention a brief technical interruption, discuss local weather in Anchorage and Fairbanks, note parish Lenten ceremonies sending candidates to the Rite of Election, invite listeners to subscribe to the new newsletter via QR code or show notes for comments and spiritual direction, and close with the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and a final blessing.00:00 Welcome to Mary’s Message00:39 Opening Prayer for Lent01:41 Gospel Temptations Overview02:59 Three Temptations Explained04:28 Technical Glitch and Return05:26 Tempting God and Morality06:55 Power vs Faithfulness07:53 Lenten Weapons Three Practices08:36 Fasting with Real Intent11:43 Almsgiving and Serving Others13:20 Everyday Temptations and Driving15:02 Spiritual Spring Cleaning Surrender18:50 RCIA and Letting Jesus Prune21:50 Wrap Up Newsletter and Subscribe23:07 Closing Prayers and Blessing🎧 Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode to help Mary’s message reach more hearts.Subscribe to our YT Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@BlessedMarysMessagesJOIN our Mailing LIST to get updates and be part of our prayer communityhttps://sendfox.com/blessedmarymessagesShow Sponsors:BlueVeil Wellness                                                               Balance. Nourish. Thrive.https://blueveilwellness.comFiat WellnessRestoring Women's Wellness: Catholic Principles, Functional Approacheshttps://fiatwellness.com