The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
Imagine the sheer amount of almsgiving, self-denial, and prayers offered to God by our brothers and sisters over the last two millennia. BILLIONS of people have committed to personal sacrifices to prepare their hearts for Jesus' resurrection, and the graces we have received are immeasurable.
We need these graces to overcome the spiritual battles ahead. According to Saint Peter, “Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” While the deceiver certainly preys on the spiritually unguarded, he also spends extra effort impeding anyone who is trying to become closer to God. Satan sees Lent as 40+ opportunities to convince us that we will fail. He will do anything to obstruct the path to salvation.
In today’s Gospel, the Enemy attempts to lead Jesus astray from His holy mission by trying to exploit His humanity. Specifically, he (unsuccessfully) subjects Jesus to three trials, which involves the three “root sins” of sensuality, vanity, and pride. These sins are ubiquitous; we see a similar image in the Israelites wandering the desert. They became impatient, appointed themselves as decision-makers, and fashioned a new image to their own liking.
Unfortunately, our spiritually dry modern society also eschews the virtue in choosing patience, enduring a challenge, or relying on faith in the true God. How often do we see a new gadget or service that is designed to make us have to wait less or think less, sold to us as comforts? This year, let’s be bold and reject the temptation to comfort. Observe the fasts, pray incessantly, and give God the first-fruits of our labor.
Let us pray. Lord Jesus, we offer to you all the difficulty we may face this Lenten season. Give us the grace to know that our physical hunger is a hunger for eternal life with you. Heavenly Father, remain close to our hearts in prayer so that we may reject all temptation from the Enemy. Joseph most Faithful, help us rid ourselves of the attachment to things of this world and give to those who are truly in need. Mary, Mother of the Church, teach us wisdom and love. Amen.
“Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9
Kevin Jordan is husband to Olivia and father to two young boys. He enjoys studying the Bible and Church history. Kevin is a financial planner who hopes to one day offer pro-bono financial planning to engaged couples as part of diocesan marriage preparation. Check out his firm's website.