Sunday 21 February

1^st Sunday of Lent

Genesis 9:8-15; Psalm 25:4-6, 7-9; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15

Wilderness

There are two important events in this episode: testing in the wilderness and proclaiming the Good News. The word ‘testing’ evokes some testing events in the Old Testament. For example, the testing of Abraham’s faith, the testing of the Israelites in the wilderness and Job. Jesus’ testing demonstrates that he has power over Satan. Abraham was given a ram. Job’s spirit was strengthened by God. When taking each of these stories for reflection, there could be a sense of being uplifted by God’s presence. We are invited by Mark’s ‘wilderness’ to choose our favourite testing story from the bible for today spiritual feast.