Sunday, March 9, 2025

Sunday, March 9, 2025: (First Sunday of Lent)
Jesus said: “My people, you are celebrating forty days of Lent, just as I fasted from food for forty days in the desert. While I was in the desert, the devil tempted Me with three temptations to test Me. His first temptation was when he said I could change the stones into bread because I was hungry. I told the devil: ‘Not by bread alone shall man live, but by every Word of God.’ (Luke 4:4) Then the devil showed Me many kingdoms and he would give them over to Me if I worshiped him. I told him: ‘The Lord thy God shalt thou worship, and him alone shalt thy serve.’ (Luke 4:8) The devil took Me to a high pinnacle of the Temple, and he said I could throw Myself down and My angels would protect Me. I told him again: ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’ (Luke 4:12) The devil left Me, and I returned to My apostles. Today, My faithful are also tempted by the devil with gluttony, fame, and pride, as I was tempted. In your Lenten devotions be steadfast in your prayers, fasting, and your almsgiving. By keeping your bodily appetites under control, you can avoid the many temptations of the devil. Even if you should fall into sin, you can come to Confession, and I will forgive your sins and restore My graces to your soul.”