First Sunday of Lent: Facing Temptation with Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving | Mary’s Message Podcast
Cristy Murray and Father Perry Kenaston open the Lenten season on the First Sunday of Lent with prayer and a reflection on Jesus’ temptations in the desert. Father Perry connects the Gospel to everyday struggles such as doubt, sexual temptation, anger, gossip, and workplace compromises, emphasizing that temptation is part of the human condition and differs from giving in. He outlines three core temptations—self-centeredness, ignoring God by acting as the arbiter of morality, and sacrificing faith for power or advancement—and invites listeners to ask Jesus how to have a better Lent and become more like Him. The episode highlights the three Lenten practices as spiritual “weapons”: strengthening prayer through a schedule, fasting that targets unhealthy habits rather than superficial sacrifices, and almsgiving as concrete outreach to others. Father Perry also encourages a kind of spiritual “spring cleaning,” giving Jesus permission to prune spiritual baggage and surrender to God’s work. The hosts mention a brief technical interruption, discuss local weather in Anchorage and Fairbanks, note parish Lenten ceremonies sending candidates to the Rite of Election, invite listeners to subscribe to the new newsletter via QR code or show notes for comments and spiritual direction, and close with the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and a final blessing.
00:00 Welcome to Mary’s Message
00:39 Opening Prayer for Lent
01:41 Gospel Temptations Overview
02:59 Three Temptations Explained
04:28 Technical Glitch and Return
05:26 Tempting God and Morality
06:55 Power vs Faithfulness
07:53 Lenten Weapons Three Practices
08:36 Fasting with Real Intent
11:43 Almsgiving and Serving Others
13:20 Everyday Temptations and Driving
15:02 Spiritual Spring Cleaning Surrender
18:50 RCIA and Letting Jesus Prune
21:50 Wrap Up Newsletter and Subscribe
23:07 Closing Prayers and Blessing
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