In today’s gospel reading, Jesus quotes the Book of Deuteronomy from the Old Testament three times. In fact, the whole setting of the gospel story about Jesus being tempted in the desert harks back to the Old Testament story of Israel being tested in their exodus from Egypt.
So in today’s first reading from Deuteronomy, we hear Moses talking to the people, reminding them of their origin and identity as children of Abraham. Note especially the very last verse of the reading in which Moses calls upon the people to bow down to reverence the Lord’s presence in their midst. This is the disposition with which Jesus confronts Satan in the temptation scene.
In our middle reading, St. Paul wants us to confess with our lips and believe in our hearts in the Lordship of Jesus. This faith brings us together and transcends all the differences that falsely divide us.
—Walter Modrys SJ
This Sunday’s readings can be found on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.
believe. teach. practice. 