Readings: Gen 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Rom 5:12-19; Matt 4:1-11
The Lenten Season leads us along with Jesus towards
Jerusalem and to the Cross. We are called prepare for that journey by imitating
Jesus who spends 40 days in the wilderness where he faces temptations. The
Lenten journey will be a challenge as we face one temptation after another just
like Jesus. In our case these temptations may be around food, drink, alcohol,
drugs, lustful thoughts, and by possessions (money). The Devil will want us to
take short-cuts on our spiritual life or even giving us the excuse for not
saying our prayers or fasting. It all starts by skipping prayer or going to
church. The Devil too will tempt us to use all 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
for ourselves because we own them! Well, we do not own our time. That is a gift
from God. In the Gospel Jesus faces temptations by the devil three times. He
resists, because He not only knows the Scriptures, but He also remains
faithful: "Be off Satan! For Scripture says: You must worship the Lord
your God, and serve him alone". It is not enough for us to know God's Word
or his Commandments. We must be doers of the word. In the first temptation, the
devil knows that Jesus is hungry after 40 days of fasting and so tempts him to
turn stones into bread - (self-satisfaction with food). Next the devil takes
Jesus to the highest point of the Temple and asks him to throw himself down,
which would immediately convince the people of Israel that He is truly the Son
of God (shortcut to success). Finally, the devil tempts Jesus with the
illusions of power and glory by taking him to a high mountain and showing him
all the kingdoms of the world which the devil pretends he owns and will give
them to Jesus if he only worships the devil! Jesus overcomes all these
temptations one after another because he is focused on his mission. As human
beings, temptations are bound to come our way. The three temptations of Jesus
remind us that any shortcut without sacrifice does
not last. The temptations call us to the same faithfulness that Jesus had in
overcoming his temptations. During this season of Lent, we have opportunities
of prayer, almsgiving and fasting to help us. Prayer in particular is a great
weapon in moments of temptations. We also need to know the scriptures and live
what they say. That can help us remain focused in following Jesus Christ.
The central message of this Sunday may be summed up in
four points. 1) We will be tempted by food, drink and other material desires.
What satisfies our hunger is not physical food but God’s word and every
teaching that nourishes our faith. 2) We will be tempted to take shortcuts to
achieve success; to give ourselves without sacrifice. The alms and the
offertory you give must have an element of sacrifice. The temptation is always
to try tip God who owns everything! God cannot be tipped! 3) We will be tempted
to embrace the idolatry of power and control, rather than focusing on our
baptismal faith journey that has one purpose and mission for which God created
us: to be the best version of ourselves by seeking closer relationship with
Christ. We do this through the Lenten disciplines of prayer, almsgiving and
fasting. 4) Finally, we will be tempted to use all the 24 hours God gives us
daily for ourselves and for some, only the Sunday time at Mass. To give no time
to God is very selfish and even very arrogant! God gives you 24 hours a day.
That is 1,440 minutes a day. This Lent commit yourself to giving at least 10
minutes a day to God. If you do not come to daily Mass, consider visiting the
church near you on your way to work or after work, and pray for 10 minutes a
day. At home, commit another 10 minutes to scripture reading. I guarantee you
will see a change in your life, your work and family life. May God give us the
grace to deepen our baptismal faith journey this Lenten Season. ©2017 John S.
Mbinda
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