First Sunday of Lent

For the First Sunday of Lent in 2026 (Year A), the primary focus is on Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and the theme of temptation/obedience. Key readings include Matthew 4:1-11 (or Mark 1:12-15), Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 (the Fall), and Romans 5:12-19 (or 5:12, 17-19) regarding sin and justification.

Catholic Readings (Year A - Feb 22, 2026)
First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 (Creation and Fall).
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17 ("Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned").
Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19 (Sin through Adam, justification through Christ).
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11 (Temptation in the desert).

Revised Common Lectionary (Year A)
First Reading: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7.
Psalm: Psalm 32.
Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19.
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11.

Key Themes & Context
The Desert Experience: Jesus spending forty days fasting, paralleling the Israelites' forty years in the wilderness, focusing on spiritual preparation.
Temptation and Victory: Jesus overcomes temptation by Satan through reliance on scripture, serving as a model for navigating Lenten temptations.
Fall and Redemption: Contrast between the disobedience of Adam/Eve in Genesis and the obedience of Christ.