Liturgical Information
The First Sunday of Lent (A)

Themes & Motives: penance, temptation, history of salvation, sin/grace

Introit:
When he calls to me, I will answer; I will rescue him and give him honor. Long life and contentment will be his. (Psalm 91:15-16)

Opening Prayer:
Father,
through our observance of Lent,
help us to understand the meaning
of your Son's death and resurrection,
and teach us to reflect it in our lives.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 [The Lord God formed man of dust from the ground. /v.7]
• Psalm 51:3-4 / 5-6 / 12-13 / 17 [R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. /v.3a]
• Romans 5:12-19 [Through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. /v.19]
• Gospel Verse: Mt 4:4 [One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
• Matthew 4:1-11 [Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. /v.1]

Offertory Antiphon: **
With his pinions he will cover you, and under his wings you shall take refuge; his faithfulness is a buckler and a shield.
     Verses of   Psalm 91  can also be sung between repetitions of the antiphon.

Prayer over the Gifts:
Lord,
make us worthy to bring you these gifts.
May this sacrifice
help to change our lives.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Preface for the First Sunday of Lent: [The Temptation of the Lord]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

His fast of forty days
makes this a holy season of self-denial.
By rejecting the devil's temptations
he has taught us
to rid ourselves of the hidden corruption of evil,
and so to share his paschal meal in purity of heart,
until we come to its fulfillment
in the promised land of heaven.

Now we join the angels and the saints
as they sing their unending hymn of praise:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

Prayer after Communion:
Father,
you increase our faith and hope,
and deepen our love in this communion.
Help us to live by your words
and to seek Christ, our bread of life, who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.

Solemn Blessing:
The Father of mercies has given us an example of unselfish love
in the sufferings of his only Son.
Through your service of God and neighbor
may you receive his countless blessings. Amen.

You believe that by his dying
Christ destroyed death for ever.
may he give you everlasting life. Amen.

He humbled himself for our sakes.
May you follow his example
and share in his resurrection. Amen.