Catholic Identity
Jake Wilkinson, Leader of Religious Education & Catholic Identity
Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1–11
At that time, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.
The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.”But Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you.’”Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. He said, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’”
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
Summary
In this Gospel, Jesus spends forty days in the desert, hungry and alone. He is tempted with comfort, power, and attention — things that can easily distract him from God’s mission.
Lent is our “desert time.” Like Jesus, we face temptations every day — to choose comfort over courage, selfishness over kindness, and pride over trust in God. This reading reminds us that strength comes from staying close to God’s Word. When we pray, fast, and give during Lent, we practise saying “yes” to God and “no” to the things that pull us away from who we are called to be.
Jesus shows us that temptation is real, but it does not have to win. With faith and trust in God, we can choose what is right.
Reflection Question
- During this Lent, what is one temptation or habit I need to resist so I can grow closer to God?
Prayer
Loving God,
In this season of Lent, help us to be strong like Jesus.
When we are tempted to make poor choices, give us courage to choose what is right.
Help us trust in you, listen to your Word, and grow closer to you each day.
Amen.
Lenten Moments, St Kilian's
Here in our St Kilian’s community, Fr Junray warmly invites you to consider being part of these Lenten moments together:
Outdoor Mass
Mt Franklin (near Daylesford)
21 February 2026, 11:00am
Verso l’Alto – “To the Heights”
Lenten Weekend Ascent
Mount Bogong, near Mt Beauty
28 February – 1 March 2026
Camping overnight • Hike • Sunday Mass at the Summit (18+ years old)
Lenten Walk
Axedale to St Kilian’s
Saturday, 7 March 2026
8:00am for 8:30am start
A Time for Jesus
Adoration & Worship
St Kilian’s Church
Saturday, 14 March 2026
8:00pm – 9:30pm
Parish Easter Market
St Kilian’s Parish Grounds
21 March 2026, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Organised by the Parish Earthcare Team
Need volunteers.
"From Ashes to Ascent"
Parish Lenten Retreat
St Kilian’s Church
Saturday, 28 March 2026
10:00am – 4:00pm
Speakers: Fr Rob, Sr Kylie, & Fr Junray
Caritas Water Bucket Challenge
Each day St Peter's students and staff will be walking as part of our normal routine. However there will be a difference. Each day a unit will be in charge of carrying a bucket of water. The bucket of water represents those communities who do not have access to clean water from their homes who need to walk each day just to have access to it. Caritas has some great resources on it's website that you can access at home Sisilia's story | Caritas Australia
Monday: Staff
Tuesday: Grade 5/6
Wednesday: Grade F,1&2
Thursday: Grade 3/4
Friday: whole school
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