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IT IS VITAL FOR US TO KNOW OUR ENEMY

(A biblical refection on THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT [YEAR A], March 9, 2014)

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9;3:1-7; Psalms: Psalm 51:3-6,12-14,17; Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19

The Scripture Text
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward He was hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But He answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took Him to the holy city, and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give His angels charge of you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, lest You strike Your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord You God.’” Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; and he said to Him, “All these I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Begone, Satan! for it is written, You shall worship the Lord Your God and Him only shall you serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. (Mt 4:1-11 RSV)

Why do you think the Gospel writers recounted this story of Jesus’ temptation? Do you think they wanted to show how Jesus heroically faced down the devil? Maybe they wanted to illustrate the opposition Jesus faced throughout His ministry. But maybe there’s something more than history here. Maybe they wanted to show us how the devil works so we can be wise to His ways today. Let us take a loser look.

“Command these stones to become bread.” Just as Satan wanted to convince Jesus that He really didn’t have to rely on God’s word for His life, the devil wants to convince us that we can become the source of wisdom for our lives. He wants to tell us we don’t have to submit to our Father’s commands or trust in His all sufficient, generous provision.

“Throw Yourself off the pinnacle of the temple. Surely God will save you.” Just as the devil wanted Jesus to presume upon God’s goodness, He wants us to take lightly the call to holiness. After all, God will always save us, even if we ignore Him and take Him for granted, won’t He? In big and small situations, the devil seeks to convince us that we won’t face any consequences if we decide not live in union with Jesus or follow His commands.

“All this splendor I will give You if You bow down and worship me.” How easy it can be to let the false glory of the world overshadow the true glory that is ours in Christ! This is exactly what Satan wants. There is nothing objectively wrong with money, possessions, or comfort. The problem comes when we let the devil convince us that we won’t experience refreshment, transformation, or hope as we bend our knees before the Lord in love, trust, and obedience.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, it is vital that we know our enemy. How else will we know how to repel his attacks? Yet, even as we learn how to fight, we don’t have to be afraid. Jesus overcame Satan both in the wilderness and on the cross! All he asks if that we put on the armor of faith and surrender to God. Victory can be ours, to day and every day!

Prayer: Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior. Thank You for your victory over the devil! Teach me to recognize my enemy’s strategies and to overcome through faith and trust in You. Amen.

A Christian Pilgrim

JESUS AND THE DEVIL

(A biblical refection on THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT [YEAR A], March 9, 2014)

First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9;3:1-7; Psalms: Psalm 51:3-6,12-14,17; Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19; Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

Some common-sense explanations need to be applied to this Sunday Gospel. It pictures salvation’s two archrivals – Jesus and the devil – having an animated conversation with each other on a mountain and at the pinnacle of the Temple. The best interpretation seems to be that this did not literally happen. The temptations were presented to the mind of Jesus. He had to subdue His inward temptations, urging Him to use His power and glory for His own good as the devil had done. The temptations were in the areas of bread, glory and possessions.

1. BREAD: This is the lure of catering to bodily comforts, giving free rein to all our appetites for food, drink, sex, leisure, etc. – the easy life. It’s only natural to want the best if we can get it, and forget about self-denial and discipline. Jesus knew, however, that this was not the way to prepare for the cross, where He would be thirsty, naked and tortured. So He resisted the temptation.

2. GLORY: Here He was tempted to show off and be spectacular. He could, if He wanted, put on a dazzling display and the people would have jumped with excitement and applause. He could even convince Himself that it would be good for His cause, for it would have attracted an enthusiastic following.

How often we love to be the center of attention and be popular in the eyes of others. Sometimes this clouds our minds, causing us to say and do foolish things. Jesus had to be in control, for later He would be challenged to come down from the cross and save His life. He wouldn’t do that, either. In resisting this temptation, He manifested the divine strength which destroyed our sins.

3. POSSESSIONS: Just imagine all the things that people do for the sake of money. They kill for pay; endure cold, darkness and fear to obtain gold and riches. Some sacrifice every decent principle to obtain an exalted position. The devil doesn’t truly own the world and couldn’t give it to Jesus. But he could remind Him of His freedom to forsake His Father’s will and take possession of the world. Abandoning the Father was tantamount to worshipping the devil and the tough Redeemer told His adversary to get lost. “The devil made me do it,” ha no application here.

This passage causes us to ask: Can Jesus really be tempted? Some would say “no,” for He is divine. Others repond “yes,” for He’s human.

One thing is sure. We can be tempted, but when the mind is resolute, evil will flee. Then peace, like a ministering angel, will gently settle within our souls.

Source: Rev. James McKarns, GO TELL EVERYONE, Makati, Philippines: St. Paul Publications, 1985, pages 16-18.