Let’s take a second look at the Temptations of Jesus. In the wilderness Jesus did not engage with the devil’s temptations. He simply quoted the Word of God in scripture. God’s Word has power, even over the demons.
Jesus’ experience teaches us that there is nothing wrong with being tempted. It’s how we react to the temptation that matters. A short prayer or a quote from God’s Word will help us let it go. For example: ‘Lead me not into temptation’ or ‘I must forgive, not once but seventy times.’
In many ways tremptations are the way that we come to know ourselves. Know yourself!’ is an ancient piece of Greek wisdom. Do I know myself and my temptations? Am I a perfectionist, or lazy? Do I desire to get noticed and praised? Am I hoarding the gifts and talents God has given me instead of putting them at the service of others? Do I focus on the best in people, or get myself angry over their flaws? Do I love only those who love me? Have I a closed mind so that I miss out on the surprises and graces of each new situation? Do I judge others rather than try—as Ignatius suggests-- to put a good interpretation on what they say or do? And so on. Where am I ignoring the grace God is offering me?
The fact is that Jesus knows me better than I know myself: he loves me as I am. But he also works, often through others, to help me become aware of the ways I can spoil things. He wants to make me more compassionate and easier to get along with.
Lord, you told of these temptations to your disciples - how else would they have known? I ask can I put words on my own temptations, the weaknesses or wickedness that draw me in particular? Can I see my temptations as you did, against the backdrop of the vocation to which you call me? Lord, you overcame Satan's temptations. You understand my struggle. So I ask for the strength you had when facing Satan's attacks in the wilderness. Don't let me be dragged away by my own desires. Let my heart obey your Word. Amen
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