Temptation of Christ in the Desert - 1st Sunday of Lent A

The Temptation of Jesus in the Desert is the gospel of the first Sunday of Lent. The purple color of Lent symbolizes penance, but also royalty. As we remember how the first Adam was tempted and failed his test, we rejoice that Christ the King, the New Adam, triumphed over the tempter. We celebrate that we, sons and daughters of the same heavenly King, can also win the battle against temptation. A reflection on the scripture readings for the First (1st) Sunday of Lent, Jesus' temptation in the desert, liturgical cycle A (Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Psalm 51, Romans 5:12-19; and Matthew 4:1-11).