The first Sunday of Lent always begins with the temptations of Jesus in the desert. Jesus is going to conquer the temptations of the devil, which Adam and Eve failed to resist, by being obedient to the Father. By the disobedience of one man sin entered the world and by the obedience of one man Jesus will all be made righteous. Enter the battle of the desert with Jesus.

The threefold answer to the fall is prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Jesus raises the bar to the level of the heart and gives us the grace to fulfill it. We have to surrender our weakness to Him. We can’t do it on our own. Surrender to Him today.

The Lord fulfills the Law raising it to a higher level. But He also gives the grace to follow it. Have no fear. He loves you let Him and you won't be the same.

Candlemas is the celebration of the Lord coming to His Temple and being the light in the darkness. When we practice our faith we become a light in the darkness. We can find redemption in our sufferings when we unite them to Christ. 

Our Gospel today presents to us Simeon and Anna as examples of the fulfillment of being who God wants us to be. Live every moment for the Lord and according to His purposes and you will grow in holiness. 

Pope Francis declared the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time Word of God Sunday. The power of God's Word has the ability to transform our lives. Let us pray with it daily. 

Please enjoy my Midnight Mass Christmas Homily.