1st Sunday of Lent Year A

• First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7: God formed man and placed him in Eden. The serpent deceived the woman into eating the forbidden fruit. She and her husband ate it and realized they were naked.
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51: Lord, have mercy and cleanse us from our sins. Create a clean heart and renew our spirits. Restore our joy and open our lips to praise you.
• Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19: One man’s sin brought death to all, but God’s grace through Jesus brings life and righteousness to many. Christ’s obedience will make many righteous.
• Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11: Jesus was tempted by the devil after fasting in the desert. He resisted, quoting Scripture each time. Afterward, the devil left, and angels cared for him.

Lectionary Reference: 22

Upcoming dates: February 22, 2026, February 18, 2029, February 15, 2032

The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A invites reflection on human weakness and God’s saving grace. It shows the struggle with temptation and the hope of new life through Jesus.

• Temptation and Choice: Temptation is a test of loyalty to God. In Eden, Adam and Eve failed, but Jesus stood firm in the desert.
• Obedience vs. Disobedience: Adam’s disobedience brought sin, while Jesus’ obedience brings life. This contrast shows the impact of our choices.
• Sin and Its Consequences: Sin brings shame and separation from God, as seen with Adam and Eve. But through Jesus, there is hope for reconciliation.
• Grace and Redemption: Through Jesus’ sacrifice, grace overcomes sin. This offers a path to righteousness for all who believe.
• Scripture as Strength: Jesus used Scripture to resist temptation. This shows the power of God’s Word in facing challenges.
• Victory Over Evil: Jesus defeated the devil’s temptations. This victory gives confidence that evil can be overcome.

The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A highlights the human struggle with sin and the hope found in Jesus. It encourages trust in God’s mercy and strength to resist temptation.

In the Desert – A Lesson Plan on Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

The In the Desert Lesson Plan on Lent helps youth understand the meaning of Lent by looking at Jesus’ time in the desert. It connects to the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A, where Jesus faces temptation but stays faithful to God. This lesson shows how prayer, fasting, and giving to others help us grow closer to God and resist temptation, just as Jesus did.

The lesson encourages youth to practice self-control and trust in God. By following Jesus’ example from the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A, they learn to turn away from distractions and focus on their faith. This prepares their hearts for Easter, helping them grow stronger in their relationship with God.

Fasting and Feasting Prayer

The Fasting and Feasting Prayer offers a fresh way to look at Lent by focusing on positive change. It encourages not just giving things up but also filling our lives with better habits, like replacing anger with patience or resentment with forgiveness. This approach connects to the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A, where Jesus faces temptation but chooses faith and obedience. Just as Jesus turned away from temptation, this prayer helps us turn away from negative habits and choose what brings us closer to God.

This prayer reminds us that Lent is about spiritual growth and positive change. By fasting from harmful attitudes and feasting on virtues like hope, gratitude, and compassion, we follow Jesus’ example of choosing good over temptation. The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A inspires us to strengthen our faith, and this prayer gives us practical ways to do that in our daily lives.

Could You Give It Up Game

The game Could You Give It Up? helps youth understand the meaning of sacrifice during Lent. It encourages them to think about what they are attached to and what they could give up to grow closer to God. This connects to the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A, where Jesus resists temptation by choosing faith and obedience over comfort and power. The game invites young people to reflect on their own attachments and practice self-control, just as Jesus did in the desert.

This activity also helps youth understand that Lent is about more than just giving things up. It is about making room for prayer, faith, and helping others. By considering their own sacrifices, players learn to focus on what truly matters. The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A shows Jesus choosing God’s will over worldly desires, and this game helps youth follow his example in their own lives.

Time to Get Back to Basics

In his homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A, Bishop Robert Barron explains the story of Adam and Eve and Jesus’ temptation in the desert. He highlights that God wants us to live fully and enjoy life, but we must not make ourselves the judges of right and wrong. The serpent’s lie twisted God’s generosity, and Adam and Eve’s fall shows the danger of putting ourselves above God’s will.

Bishop Barron also explores the three temptations Jesus faced: comfort, pride, and power. Jesus resisted by trusting God and refusing to put himself above God’s plan. Bishop Barron encourages us to reflect on our own struggles with pleasure, honor, and power, reminding us that true freedom and happiness come from trusting God’s guidance.

Into the Wilderness

In his commentary for the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A, Jeff Cavins explains how Jesus’ temptation in the desert connects to Israel’s journey in the Old Testament. Just as Israel failed during 40 years in the wilderness, Jesus faced similar temptations during 40 days but remained faithful. Cavins highlights that Jesus succeeded where Israel fell short, showing he is the true Son of God who trusts his Father completely.

Cavins points out that the devil targeted Jesus’ relationship with his Father by repeatedly saying, “If you are the Son of God.” This shows that temptation often tries to break our trust in God as our Father. Jeff Cavins encourages us to learn from Jesus’ example on the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A by staying close to God and trusting him in every trial.

Tale of Two Adams

In his commentary for the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A, Scott Hahn explains the connection between Adam and Jesus. He shows how Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death into the world, while Jesus’ obedience brought grace and life for all. Hahn highlights that Jesus succeeded where Adam failed, overcoming temptation and defeating the devil.

Scott Hahn encourages us to reflect on how we still fall into sin like Adam when we doubt God’s promises. However, the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that through Jesus, sin no longer controls us. His grace renews us, giving us hope and strength to resist temptation.

Return to Me

In his reflection for the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A, Fr. John Burns explains that Jesus’ temptation in the desert shows how to confront evil. He points out that temptation often comes when we try to turn back to God. The enemy resists our efforts to grow closer to God, but this struggle is a sign that we are on the right path.

Fr. Burns highlights that Jesus did not engage deeply with the devil’s lies. Instead, he responded with simple truths from Scripture and kept his heart focused on his Father. This shows us to trust God and not dwell on temptation. Fr. Burns encourages us to remember God’s goodness and to lean on his promises, knowing that Jesus has already won the victory over evil.

The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on temptation, obedience, and God’s mercy. The readings remind us of the struggles we face and the hope we find in Jesus. By looking at Jesus’ example in the desert, we learn how to trust in God and resist temptation. This is a time to grow in faith through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Tempted

The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A tells the story of Jesus being tempted in the desert. After fasting for forty days, he is hungry and weak, making him vulnerable to the devil’s tricks. The devil tempts him three times, trying to get him to use his power for himself, to test God’s protection, and to worship him for worldly gain. But each time, Jesus responds with words from Scripture, staying true to his mission and trust in God.

This shows us that temptation is part of human life. Even Jesus faced it. But his example teaches us that we can resist temptation by staying close to God and knowing his Word. Jesus did not argue or debate with the devil. He simply relied on his faith and Scripture to stand firm.

We, too, face temptations in our daily lives. We might be tempted to seek comfort, power, or approval in ways that pull us away from God. But the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us to follow Jesus’ example. We can lean on prayer, Scripture, and faith to stay strong.

This passage also shows that temptation itself is not a sin. It is how we respond that matters. Jesus shows us the way to overcome it. By trusting in God and his promises, we can resist and grow stronger in our faith.

A Denial of Reality

The temptations in the desert challenge us to look at the false promises of the world. The devil tempted Jesus to never be hungry, never be harmed, and to control all earthly power. These temptations offer a life without suffering or dependence on God. But Jesus rejected these lies and chose trust and obedience to God.

The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that we are not meant to control everything. We will face challenges, needs, and suffering. But we are called to trust God’s plan for us. Jesus’ refusal to turn stones into bread shows us that we do not live on material things alone. His rejection of testing God’s protection shows us to trust God without demanding proof. And his refusal to worship the devil for power teaches us to serve God alone.

Lent invites us to confront our own desires for comfort, security, and control. The practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving help us do this. Prayer keeps us close to God and reminds us of his presence. Fasting teaches us to rely on God when we face needs and wants. Almsgiving helps us let go of material things and trust in God’s care.

The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A challenges us to trust God even when life is hard. It invites us to give up the false promises of the world and follow Jesus’ example of faith and obedience. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we grow closer to God and learn to depend on him.

We Are Not Alone

The story of Jesus’ temptation shows that even he faced struggles. But he was not alone—he trusted in God and was strengthened by his faith. The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that we, too, are never alone in our trials and temptations. God is always with us, offering his love and mercy.

We all face moments of weakness and times when we fall into temptation. But this Sunday shows us that no matter how far we stray, we can always return to God. Jesus’ victory over temptation gives us hope that we can overcome our own struggles. It also reminds us of God’s endless mercy.

Lent is a time to turn back to God with trust and humility. It is a time to seek forgiveness and strength. Like Jesus, we can lean on prayer and Scripture to guide us. When we feel alone in our struggles, we can remember that Jesus understands our challenges because he faced them, too.

The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A gives us hope that God’s mercy is greater than our failures. It invites us to keep trying, to keep praying, and to keep trusting in God’s love. We are never alone, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A calls us to trust in God and follow Jesus’ example. In our struggles, we are never alone. God is with us, offering mercy and strength. As we continue through Lent, may we draw closer to God and find hope in his love.

Prayer

Lord, help us to follow Jesus’ example of faith and obedience. Give us strength to resist temptation and trust in your love. Guide us through our struggles and remind us that we are never alone. May we grow closer to you through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Amen.

• How do the temptations Jesus faced relate to my own struggles?
• In what ways am I tempted to seek comfort, security, or control?
• How can prayer and Scripture help me resist temptation?
• What false promises do I need to let go of to trust God more?
• How can fasting help me grow in faith and dependence on God?
• In what ways can I practice almsgiving to serve others and trust in God’s care?
• Where in my life do I need to rely more on God’s mercy and forgiveness?
• How can I remember that I am not alone in my struggles?
• What can I learn from Jesus’ obedience and trust in God?
• How can I grow closer to God this Lent through prayer and reflection?

These music selections reflect the themes of the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A by focusing on trust in God, resisting temptation, and seeking forgiveness. Many songs express a longing for God’s guidance and protection, echoing Jesus’ faith during his time in the desert. Others invite listeners to repent and turn back to God, connecting to the call for conversion during Lent. With a mix of reflective melodies and uplifting tunes, these songs inspire prayer and help set a meaningful tone for the Lenten season.

• 40 Days by Matt Maher
• Ashes by Tom Conry & Steve Grundy
• At the Name of Jesus by Suzanne Toolan & Caroline Maria Noel
• Be Not Afraid by Bob Dufford
• Be With Me Lord by Ken Canedo
• Be With Me, Lord, When I Am in Trouble by Marty Haugen
• Beyond the Days by Ricky Manalo
• Change Our Hearts by Rory Cooney
• Christ in Me Arise by Trevor Thomson
• Come as You Are by Crowder
• Desert Song by Hillsong Worship
• Empty by Tom Booth
• Forty Days and Forty Nights by George H. Smyttan
• Hosea by Gregory Norbet
• In These Days of Lenten Journey by Ricky Manalo
• Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley
• Led By the Spirit by Bob Hurd & Ralph Vaughan William
• Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days by Claudia F. Hernaman & Richard Redhead
• O Beauty, Ever Ancient by the St. Louis Jesuits
• On Eagles Wings by Michael Joncas
• Psalm 91: Be With Me, Lord by Ricky Manalo
• Save Us, O Lord by the St. Louis Jesuits
• Save Your People by Jim Farrell
• The Glory of These Forty Days by Gregory the Great
• Turn Our Hearts Around by Trevor Thomson
• Turn to Me by the St. Louis Jesuits
• Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and see how they enhance the message of the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A. Consider using them to help your community reflect on the themes of temptation, trust, and repentance. If you have other favorite songs for this season, share them in the comments to inspire others.

What date is the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A?

The next date is Sunday February 22, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
1st Sunday of Lent Year B
1st Sunday of Lent Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday February 22, 2026 are:
First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7: The Fall of Man
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51: Asking for God’s Mercy
Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19: Sin and Grace
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11: Jesus’ Temptation in the Desert

Why did Jesus go into the desert?

Jesus went into the desert to prepare for his mission. He fasted and prayed, showing us the importance of relying on God before facing challenges.

Why was Jesus tempted by the devil?

Jesus was tempted to show that he was fully human and faced struggles like us. It also showed his faithfulness and obedience to God.

What do the three temptations mean?

The temptations represent common struggles: seeking comfort, power, and testing God. Jesus’ response teaches us to trust God and not rely on worldly things.

How does the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A relate to Adam and Eve?

The 1st Sunday of Lent Year A contrasts Adam’s failure with Jesus’ victory. Where Adam gave in to temptation, Jesus stood firm, showing a new way to overcome sin.

Why did Jesus use Scripture to resist temptation?

Jesus used Scripture to show the power of God’s truth. It teaches us to rely on God’s Word when we face challenges.

What does this Gospel teach us about temptation?

It teaches that temptation itself is not a sin. It is how we respond that matters. Jesus shows us that we can resist by trusting God.

How can I apply this to my life?

You can follow Jesus’ example by turning to prayer and Scripture when you face temptation. Trust in God’s promises and seek his strength.

What is the main message of the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A?

The main message is about resisting temptation and trusting God. It shows Jesus’ victory over sin and encourages us to seek God’s help.

Why is the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A focused on temptation?

It reminds us that Lent is a time of spiritual battle. By reflecting on Jesus’ temptation, we learn how to face our own struggles with faith.

How does this help me during Lent?

This reading encourages you to turn to God during challenges. It helps you grow stronger in faith by trusting God and resisting temptation.

What does the 1st Sunday of Lent Year A teach about trusting God?

It shows that Jesus trusted his Father completely, even in difficult moments. It invites us to have the same confidence in God’s love and care.