Scripture Study for
First Sunday of Lent
Genesis 9:8–15 / Psalm 25:10 / 1 Peter 3:18–22 / Mark 1:12–15
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Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
The first reading is an account of the covenant that God entered into after the flood. It was made with Noah, with his descendants, with all the living creatures that were in the ark, and with the earth itself. The covenant was promissory, God pledging that never again would unruly waters destroy the world and its inhabitants. The bow in the sky may well be a reference to the weapon of the divine warrior who was victorious over the forces of primordial chaos. Just as God rested after creation (see Genesis 2:2–3), hanging up the bow is a sign that order has been established in the universe.
The author of First Peter speaks of the efficacy of Christ’s death. It was a sin offering, like the sacrifices of expiation offered daily in the temple, with the blood of the victim sprinkled on the altar. However, Christ’s sacrifice was effective for all time and for all people. It was also vicarious, endured for others. Like the servant in Isaiah (Isaiah 53:4–6), Jesus was the innocent man who bore the guilt of the unrighteous. Christ did this so that we might be brought to God and have access to God’s saving grace. Finally, after ascending into heaven, Christ occupies the place of honor at the right hand of God.
The account of Jesus’ temptation is charged with meaning. The wilderness was the place of trial. Forty days held special meaning. Moses fasted that long as he inscribed the commandments (Exodus 34:28); Elijah fasted for the same length of time as he walked to Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). It was in this same tradition that Jesus fasted. The announcement of his ministry summarizes the content of his preaching. In eschatological thought, the advent of the reign of God called for a change of mind and heart. Since Jesus’ interpretation of God’s will did not correspond to the predominant understanding of his day, his announcement of such a ministry was fraught with danger.