Reflection Guide

Reflection Guide

Word Sharing Circle (WSC) Reflection Guide

February 22, 2026 (Cycle A, Year II) – First Sunday of Lent

Community Word: Being renewed in God’s righteousness leads us to know, love, and serve Him.

Theme: We are renewed in God’s righteousness when we overcome temptation through His Word and sanctifying grace.

Promise: “…through the obedience of the one man …the many will be made righteous.” (Rom 5:19b)

Reflection

On this First Sunday of Lent, the Church leads us into the desert with Jesus. Lent is a season of renewal, a time when we confront our weaknesses and rediscover our dependence on God. Our theme reminds us that we are renewed in God’s righteousness when we overcome temptation through His Word and sanctifying grace.

In the Gospel, Jesus faces the tempter not with human reasoning or personal power, but with the authority of God’s Word. Each temptation appeals to human weakness: comfort without sacrifice, power without service, glory without obedience. Yet Jesus responds, “It is written,” revealing that victory over sin begins with fidelity to Scripture and total trust in the Father. He shows us that righteousness is not achieved by self-effort but by obedient surrender to God’s will.

As members of the community, we recognize that temptation is a reality in our daily lives. We are tempted to compromise our values, to choose convenience over commitment, or to seek recognition rather than humble service. These moments test our love for God. However, temptation, when brought before the Lord, becomes an opportunity for growth. When we rely on sanctifying grace received through prayer, the sacraments, and community life, we are strengthened to resist sin and choose what is right.

Lent calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are not only practices, but these are spiritual disciplines that open our hearts to grace. Prayer places us in God’s presence. Fasting teaches us self-discipline and detachment. Almsgiving directs us outward in love and service. Through these, the divine life breathed into us at baptism is renewed and deepened. Each act of obedience restores our dignity as children of God and conforms us more closely to Christ.

Our renewal is anchored in the saving obedience of Jesus. St. Paul reminds us in his Letter to the Romans that humanity’s righteousness flows not from Adam’s disobedience but from Christ’s faithful obedience. His victory becomes our victory. In Him, we are given the grace to stand firm. In Him, we are made righteous.

As a covenant community, we journey together this Lent, encouraging one another to remain faithful in trials. By holding firmly to God’s Word and depending on His sanctifying grace, we overcome temptation and grow in holiness. In this way, we are assured by this promise in the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans – “…through the obedience of the one man …the many will be made righteous.” (Rom 5:19b).

Prayer

Father God, in this season of Lent, renew us in Your righteousness. Strengthen us through Your Word and sanctifying grace when we face temptation. Help us to follow the example of Jesus in faithful obedience to Your will. May every trial draw us closer to You and deepen our love and service. Amen.

Reflection Guide Questions

1. When have I experienced God’s grace when faced with temptations that challenged my relationship with the Lord Jesus?

2. How can I support and encourage others in the community who struggle with temptation, and share how God has helped me overcome my own?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:

February 22, 2026 (Sun) – Gn 2:7-9, 3:1-7/Ps 51:3-6, 12, 13/14, 17/Rom 5:12-19/Mt 4:1-11

February 23, 2026 (Mon) – Lv 19:1-2, 11-18/Ps 19:8-10, 15/Mt 25:31-46

February 24, 2026 (Tue) – Is 55:10-11/Ps 34:4-7, 16-19/Mt 6:7-15

February 25, 2026 (Wed) – Jon 3:1-10/Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19/Lk 11:29-32

February 26, 2026 (Thu) – Est 4:12, 14-16, 23-25/Ps 138:1-3, 7-8/Mt 7:7-12

February 27, 2026 (Fri) – Ez 18:21-28/Ps 130:1-8/Mt 5:20-26

February 28, 2026 (Sat) – Dt 26:16-19/Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8/Mt 5:43-48

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”

Council of Servant Leaders

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Alfred S. Kudemus

CSL Secretariat

BLD Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16