This blog post reflects on the Holy Mass led by Fr. Jerry Orbos on the First Sunday of Lent, emphasizing the themes of temptation, spiritual growth, and the importance of prayer and community support during the Lenten season.
On March 9, 2025, the Jubilee Church of the Diocese and Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word at Christ the King Mission Seminary celebrated the First Sunday of Lent with a Holy Mass presided by Reverend Father Jerry Orbos, SVD. This occasion marked the beginning of a significant spiritual journey for many, as Lent is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal.
The Mass commenced with a heartfelt prayer to Jesus, the Divine Word, acknowledging His divine nature and the importance of living in love. The congregation was invited to kneel and reflect on their personal struggles, seeking forgiveness for their sins and weaknesses. Fr. Orbos emphasized the need for humility and the importance of recognizing our vulnerabilities as we embark on this Lenten journey.
The first reading from the book of Deuteronomy reminded the congregation of the Israelites' journey from oppression in Egypt to the Promised Land. Moses spoke of God's deliverance and the importance of gratitude, urging the people to offer the first fruits of their labor to God. This reading set the tone for the Mass, highlighting themes of liberation and thanksgiving.
The responsorial psalm echoed the plea for divine assistance during times of trouble, reinforcing the message that God is a refuge and protector. The congregation sang, "Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble," a reminder of the constant need for God's presence in our lives.
In the second reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans, the message of faith was clear: confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation. This reading emphasized the universality of God's love, extending to all who call upon Him.
The Gospel reading from Luke narrated the temptation of Jesus in the desert. After fasting for forty days, Jesus faced the devil's temptations, which challenged His identity and mission. Fr. Orbos reflected on this passage, drawing parallels to our own lives and the temptations we face daily. He reminded the congregation that temptation is a universal experience, and it is crucial to resist the allure of sin.
Fr. Orbos shared personal anecdotes and wisdom from his mother, who taught him about the constant battle between good and evil. He emphasized that everyone experiences temptation, but the key is how we respond to it. He encouraged the congregation to be vigilant and to recognize the signs of temptation, particularly during times of hunger, anger, loneliness, and fatigue.
Fr. Orbos highlighted the importance of community support during Lent. He encouraged everyone to share their struggles and to seek help from one another. The Mass concluded with a call to action: to be mindful of our weaknesses and to support each other in overcoming them.
As the congregation left the church, they were reminded of the significance of the Lenten season—a time for spiritual growth, reflection, and renewal. The message of the day was clear: while temptations are a part of life, with prayer, community support, and reliance on God, we can navigate our spiritual journey with hope and strength.
In this Lenten season, let us strive to deepen our faith, resist temptation, and support one another in our spiritual endeavors. May we all find the grace to overcome our weaknesses and grow closer to God.
