Every year on the first Sunday in Lent, we are reminded that Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert after fasting for forty days and forty nights. The conversation begins with the devil’s acknowledging Jesus’ hunger and telling him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.” Jesus answers, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
We notice that the devil’s temptation is in the immediate moment, while Jesus looks into eternity. All temptations are immediate. With little or no time to react or to contemplate, we are presented with an immediate solution to a perceived problem. Often upon reflection, we can recognize that an immediate solution was not necessary and was, in fact, harmful.
The devil then takes Jesus to the parapet of the Temple in Jerusalem and says, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down and see if the angels protect you.” Jesus replies, “You shall not put God to the test.” All temptations are tests, but the test is conducted by the devil, not by God. Often upon reflection, we can recognize that our faith does not need to be tested; rather, it needs to be applied when we are tested.
Finally, the devil takes Jesus up to a high mountain and offers him all the kingdoms in the world if he will worship him. Jesus replies, “You shall worship God alone.” All temptations hinge on our turning from the worship of God alone, to the worship of others—possessions, power, wealth, fame, fortune. Often upon reflection, we can recognize that we can depend on God alone for everything.
Lent is an opportunity to see how temptation works in our own life. The Lenten disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving give us support in responding to temptation. In these forty days of Lent, ask yourself, “How can I grow in my discipleship with Jesus? How can I change my heart”? I pray each of you will have a blessed Lent and a rewarding journey to Easter!
Fr. Gary
