The Spirit, the breath of God!
The first Sunday of Lent we reflect on the first reading from the book of
Genesis. The account begins with the Lord God creating “man out of the clay of
the ground,” a powerful reminder that “we are dust, and to dust we shall return.”
On Ash Wednesday, this truth brings us to a solemn awareness of our mortality
and humility. Yet, within this humble creation, something extraordinary occurs:
God breathes into man the breath of life, filling him with purpose and divine love.
When God breathed life into Adam, he was blessed with the gift to receive all
the goodness God freely gives, a precious gift that came with the responsibility of
making choices. In this account, the serpent, also known as the father of lies,
conceals his true nature, and deceives Eve with clever words. At that moment,
Adam and Eve had the chance to embrace the truth of God’s promises.
Unfortunately, they let doubt and desire take over, thereby hurting their
relationship with God and allowed darkness into the world as they gave in to
temptation.
Turning to today’s Gospel of St. Matthew, we see Jesus, guided by the Spirit,
the breath of God, into the wilderness to face temptation. In this encounter, Jesus
represents the restoration of what was lost in the Garden of Eden. Each time He
responds to the devil’s temptations, He rejects the lies that would block His
mission. Jesus’ trust in the breath of God, affirms the truth and sets a shining
example for us all, encouraging us to remain rooted in faith even in difficult times.
This Lenten season is an opportunity to consider the choices that shape our
spirituality. As we begin this journey, take a moment to breathe in God’s love and
life, letting the Holy Spirit guide our hearts and actions. I invite each of you to join
us at St. John’s and experience the powerful Parish Lenten Mission led by Fr.
Larry Richards this Monday, February 23rd through Thursday, the 26th at
6:30p.m. This is a special time to imagine what it might be like if God were to
speak directly to us, encouraging us to live with greater purpose and action.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we take in the breath of God, let’s come
together in prayerful solidarity. Together, we can break down barriers that hinder
our encounter with God and clear away distractions that lead to despair. This
Lenten season is a wonderful opportunity to nurture spiritual growth, strengthen
our family and community ties, and stand firm against the darkness that seeks to
invade our spirits. May this journey bring us enlightenment, renewed faith, and
enable us to share God’s transformative breath. Let’s breathe and step forward
with courage, knowing the Spirit is with us, guiding and supporting us every step
of the way.
Rev. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor