Remember, after Jesus’ baptism, He was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert, where He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. After His 40th day of fasting, He was being tempted by the devil.
"If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." (Matthew 4:3)
Because of the fasting, Jesus was very hungry and could have used something to eat. Imagine the timing of this temptation, very important. But He responded:
"It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’"(Matthew 4:4)
The Second Temptation
"If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands, they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’" (Matthew 4:6)
This temptation was rooted in the desire for power. Satan wanted Jesus to prove His divinity by performing a miraculous act, but Jesus recognized this as a distortion of true power. He responded:
"It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’" (Matthew 4:7)
True power comes from God, and Jesus had already received spiritual strength through His fasting. Satan wanted to divert that power for self-glorification, but Jesus refused. This temptation reflects humanity’s constant hunger for power—whether political, financial, or academic. Many people seek power not to serve others but to control, manipulate, and insulate themselves from vulnerability. It's not hard to find this in our fallen world. However, power should be a responsibility, not a tool for oppression. Power in the hands of bad people is lethal.
The Third Temptation
"All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." (Matthew 4:9)
Satan was being transactional, offering Jesus all the material wealth and glory of the world in exchange for worship. But Jesus rebuked him, saying:
"Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’" (Matthew 4:10)
This temptation highlights the human desire for wealth, status, and material possessions. Many people, in their pursuit of success, compromise their values and even "sell their souls" to achieve their worldly goals. But Jesus knew that nothing Satan offered could compare to the eternal glory of God.
Satan’s tactics are still the same today, he tempts us with the flesh, power, and material wealth in the world. However, Jesus' victory over these temptations reminds us that we must remain steadfast in our faith, especially during Lent. This season of fasting and prayer should redirect our focus from worldly desires to God, just as Jesus did in the wilderness. He won this on our behalf. God will never leave us or be away from us because of our sins, but our sins can keep us away from Him.
The priest also shared a reference he watched online that was powerful using the image of tree roots during Lent. He explained that during this season, tree roots grow deeper into the soil, gaining nutrients, strengthening the tree and preparing it for new growth in spring. Similarly, Lent should be a time for us to build our spiritual roots, deepening our faith and drawing closer to God.
Interestingly, he noted that in the Germanic language, the word "Lent" means "spring"—a time of renewal and transformation. Additionally, "Lent" is the past tense of "lend," reminding us that everything we have in this life is temporarily lent to us by God. One day, we will have to account for how we used the gifts He has given us.
Lent is also slow in French, a time to slow down from our pursuit of materialism to reflect and grow our spiritual life.
It was a profound and beautiful Mass, and I pray that this reflection on the three Temptations of Christ will help guide us through these 40 days of Lent. May our spiritual roots grow deeper, and may our faith in God become stronger and magnified.
Amen
Pal Ronnie
Amen 🙏
ReplyDelete