Sunday 22nd February – First Sunday of Lent

Reflection: Mark 1:12-15

IMITATING CHRIST

Consider the heroes of faith we read about in Scripture and in the Church’s tradition. What was their mission and purpose? Why did they have to battle against the world? These Heroes whom we look up to all lived for a single reason: the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved, you and I are called to live out this same gospel in our own day and age.

Today’s reading gives us a schematic view of our Christian lives. Like Jesus, our mission begins at Baptism when become children of God. Yet, in order to live out our Christian calling and preach the good news effectively, we must be tried. As we overcome the daily temptations the devil throws at us, we can courageously proclaim Jesus’ message: “The Kingdom of God is near. Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News”. A disciple who is not ready to tread his master’s path can never become like his master. No Christian is exempted from this great commission (Mark 16:15) hence you and I cannot afford to be silent about it.

Christ’s temptation prepared Him for His ministry. To imitate Christ we must be courageous in the face of temptation and be spiritually alert so as to recognise and resist the devil’s tactics to derail us from the master’s path.  Let us never give up on God’s transforming power in the good news for as we preach it with sincerity and humility, we are transformed into what we preach.
Beloved, Lent offers us a wonderful opportunity to become more like Christ. Make use of every opportunity you have; in school, at work, on the internet, at family prayers, while hanging out with friends etc. to preach Christ, your hope of glory.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to become more like you in my words and deeds. Let your love consume me and compel me to preach the Good news. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 425: The transmission of the Christian faith consists primarily in proclaiming Jesus Christ in order to lead others to faith in him. From the beginning, the first disciples burned with the desire to proclaim Christ: “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard”. And they invite people of every era to enter into the joy of their communion with Christ.

HIDE A TREASURE: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith…” Romans 1:16 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Genesis 9:8-15; Psalm 25:4-9; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15