# The First Sunday of Lent, Homily by Reverend Pastor Michael J Hurley, OP, February 22, 2026

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/st-dominic-s-weekly-328314/the-first-sunday-of-lent-homily-by-reverend-pastor-michael-j-hurley-op-february-22-2026
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/st-dominic-s-weekly-328314/the-first-sunday-of-lent-homily-by-reverend-pastor-michael-j-hurley-op-february-22-2026.md
Podcast: [St. Dominic's Weekly](https://stenobird.com/podcast/st-dominic-s-weekly-328314)
Published: 2026-02-25T05:10:17+00:00
Episode link: https://stdominicsweekly.podbean.com
Audio file: https://cdn.simplecast.com/media/audio/transcoded/bafd24cc-b670-4696-9f85-01852b12c1d9/53f6fba5-5ecc-4306-98b4-04800a712d78/episodes/audio/group/f583f193-e2b9-4b0f-ae65-492c4952e7aa/group-item/ad268715-a666-4bee-9e83-b4cfa5bcc804/128_default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=UhvHzFKD
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Duration seconds: 1060

## Resource

Using the metaphor of a crossing guard, this homily explores how to navigate the 'traffic of temptation' during the Lenten season. It contrasts the impulsive failure of Adam and Eve with Jesus' disciplined approach of stopping, looking, and listening to Scripture.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Navigating temptation requires the active discipline of stopping to acknowledge desires, looking to see the illusion behind them, and listening to divine truth
- Practical takeaway: Evaluate not just what you are giving up during Lent, but what you are consuming through reading, media, and conversation
- Failure mode: Impulsivity, as seen in the Garden of Eden, occurs when we fail to wait for God's timing and instead act on immediate gratification
- Main idea: Jesus overcame temptation by grounding his responses in 'It is written,' using Scripture to align his human nature with the Father's will
- Practical takeaway: Use the Lenten season to audit your spiritual intake to ensure it fosters healing and hope rather than distraction

## Topics

Lent, Christianity, Spiritual Discipline, Scripture, Temptation, Homily, Prayer, Catholicism

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Temptation in the Desert: An examination of the Gospel of Matthew, detailing Jesus' encounter with the devil and his reliance on Scripture to resist temptation.
- 2:00 — The Crossing Guard Metaphor: A personal anecdote about being a junior crossing guard used to illustrate the necessity of 'Stop, Look, and Listen' in spiritual life.
- 5:00 — The Fall of Adam and Eve: Analyzing how the serpent's subtle suggestions led to a failure to wait for God's proper timing.
- 10:00 — Identifying the Illusion: How Jesus acknowledged his physical hunger and desire for glory but looked deeper to see the emptiness of the devil's offers.
- 11:00 — The Power of 'It is Written': Discussing how Jesus used the Word of God to harmonize his human nature with the Father's mission.
- 15:00 — The Importance of Spiritual Consumption: A call to examine the books, media, and ideas we consume, featuring reflections on the wounds of Christ.
- 17:00 — Navigating the Traffic of Temptation: A concluding summary of the three essential questions for the Lenten journey: Am I stopping, looking, and listening?

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## Transcript

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