What do firefighters and the desert have in common? In this First Sunday of Lent homily, Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11) is paired with the disciplined training of firefighters. Just as firefighters prepare before entering dangerous situations, Lent is our spiritual training season. Through prayer, fasting, and trust in God, we learn to face temptation, stand firm in our identity as God’s beloved, and emerge from the desert stronger in faith.

The following was a homily that Fr. Wainio preached on the fourth Sunday of Lent (Sunday, March 30, 2025) The parable of the Prodigal Son...