The First Sunday of Lent

Each year on the First Sunday of Lent the Church invites us to reflect on the Temptations of Jesus. The dynamic of a "temptation" is an interesting one. It was a dynamic that Jesus himself faced as he prepared for his public ministry.

Going all the way back to the story of Adam and Eve, we can see how a temptation plays out. Satan is good at what he does. He makes temptation look good. Our first parents were told they could not eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Satan told them that if they ate of this tree they would have the knowledge of God. They would be like God. Imagine! Wanting to be in possession of such knowledge, such power.

In the story of the three temptation of Jesus, Satan makes food and power look so enticing.

Remember the old Mickey Mouse cartoons? Mickey was tempted. An angel whispering into his right ear and the devil (complete with red tights and pitch fork) speaking into his left ear. The idea is not far off the mark. A dialogue goes on within our deepest self; should I or shouldn't I??

From whence come your temptations?
The devil knows your weaknesses, be sure of that.
He'll get you in a weak moment - tired, hungry, stressed out etc. The devil knows when to knock on your door.

Christ knew temptation. He also knew how to combat it ...
Through fasting and prayer, making the will disciplined and strong.

These evil spirits will be driven out only through prayer and sacrifice.