Scripture lesson for the First Sunday in Lent

Temptation of Jesus - Chartres Cathedral, France

We begin the Sundays in Lent with the gospel lesson and a look at the temptations of Jesus in the desert.  Mark's account is different than the versions in Matthew and Luke.  As you prepare to enter the season of Lent, ask yourself why this might be so.    

"At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God's Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life." At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him."

(Mark 1:9-13, The Message)