The Temptation of Jesus
Greetings on this the First Sunday of Lent
Readings: Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13
Summary
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil (LK 4:1-2a).
- It is written, One does not live on bread alone.
- It is written, You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.
- It also says, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.
Reflection
It is remarkable that even Jesus had to face the Tempter even after being filled with the Holy Spirit. Somehow it is unsettling to me. Yet the fact is the Church is filled with the Holy Spirit after Pentecost and she surely has to deal with these same temptations.
These temptations have a centering theme of obedience to the Father as a mark of true sonship and rebellion being the option offered by the Tempter. Yet the temptations correlate perfectly to the Divine Virtues.
The Divine Virtues
- Faith the Lord will provide for body and soul as he revealed to Moses and through Jesus.
- Love in return to love.
- Hope in the course of our life without fail.
Faith, hope and love are the divine virtues.
Our Old Testament reading today puts the question of trust (faith) to the evidence.
When the Egyptians maltreated and oppressed us, imposing hard labor upon us, we cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm, with terrifying power, with signs and wonders; and bringing us into this country (Duet 26:6-9).
Trust in the revealed love for Moses and his people. And you.
Our second reading echos the same with: For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom 10:13).
Our psalmist has us repeat as as to remember: Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble (PS 91:15b).
Personal Reflection
On this the First Sunday of Lent, let us all remember the promises made to Moses and to all. The Lord is with you, good times and bad.
More Traditional Reflection
For a more traditional reflection click here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/03/06/what-faithful-looks-like/
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030925.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry