Every human since the beginning of time has been tempted, whether in his or her faith or in something not related to a faith. What is important about this rests on each individual’s response to the temptation. Did he or she act upon it for self-gratification, or was it squashed for a better action that would improve the life of not only the one tempted but others who may have been affected.
Another aspect of this is how do we discern what temptation is in our lives. The ones addressed in this blog are those of a sinful nature that separates us in our relationship with God, not a piece of chocolate that seems to be calling our name. It also is not a differentiation between mortal and venial sins. What it is about are three specific types of sin that are the basis for all the sins we commit.
Satan’s temptation of Jesus in St. Mark’s Gospel provides us with the three main reasons we sin: Our need for Wealth, Power and Fame. In essence, we want equality with God who is able to do all things; though it is out of His love where for us it is out of being in control of everything we want.
Notice how Jesus answers Satan for each temptation with Scripture from the Book of Deuteronomy: “One does not live on bread alone.” “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him alone shall you serve.” “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
In Jesus’ first response we realize that He focuses His love on us, not on Himself. Jesus depends on the Word from God, His Father. That is His food and nourishment which provides Him all he needs to obey His Father’s will. It is not ill-gotten gains like amassing great wealth for one’s own worth, but acceptance to take care of Himself and those to whom He reaches out.
His second response sets “the record straight” that God, not Satan, is in charge forever. God does not need to mark time on how long His power will last or wait while kingdoms and dominions vacillate on what they need to do to continue their existence. God created all that there is so He decides on what is to be, not one of His creations.
Lastly, Jesus shuts Satan down because the devil incorrectly calculated that the Son wanted to be the central figure of the Triumverate because of all that He has been asked by His Father. Instead, Jesus bespeaks humility as His servant, rather than trying to manipulate God.
St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans adds an interpretive layer to the first reading of Genesis’ story of Adam and Eve and the introduction of sin into the world. He explains how the Original Sin brought death to all, inasmuch as all sinned. In comparison, Christ brought an overflowing abundance of grace in obedience to God the Father by dying on a Cross for our sins and rising from the dead to open the gates of heaven for eternal salvation.
These readings along with the Gospel explain the importance of why we need to accept the ways of the Lord and actively reject Satan’s temptations to us. We need to fight against our sin nature because our faith calls us to believe what we hear from Scripture in our heart and with our words. We must verify God’s truth that Jesus did indeed die for our sins and was raised from the dead so we can claim everlasting life. That is why faith in Jesus and calling on His name in prayer lead to salvation.
We know that fighting against Satan is a life-long battle. We also need to acknowledge that our relationship with God is both life-long on earth and everlasting in heaven so we can positively answer God’s call with all our courage and strength to overcome our sin nature.
Let us take the opportunity of this Lent to look deep into our heart
for our faith relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy
Spirit. When we do so with honesty, we
will find the flaws that cause us to question our level of faithfulness. It is then when we can love Him with all our
heart, soul, mind and strength, push temptation aside and be delivered from
evil.
Reading 1: Genesis 2: 7-9; 3: 1-7
Reading 2: Romans 5: 12-19
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
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