{"id":979,"date":"2013-02-17T13:37:13","date_gmt":"2013-02-17T18:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/renewaloffaith.org\/blog\/?p=979"},"modified":"2013-02-17T13:37:13","modified_gmt":"2013-02-17T18:37:13","slug":"the-temptation-of-jesus-homily","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.renewaloffaith.org\/blog\/the-temptation-of-jesus-homily\/","title":{"rendered":"The Temptation of Jesus – Homily"},"content":{"rendered":"

1st<\/sup> Sunday in Lent, Year C<\/a>
\nDeuteronomy 26:4-10
\nRomans 10:8-13
\nLuke 4:1-13
\nFebruary 17, 2013<\/p>\n

On Wednesday, we marked the beginning of our Lenten journey for this year with the reception of ashes.\u00a0 Lent is a time that\u2019s purpose is to lead us to the joy of the Easter Triduum.<\/p>\n

Central in the Triduum is Jesus\u2019 Crucifixion, where Jesus\u2019 freely gives his life so that our sins can be forgiven.\u00a0 In the Resurrection, he shows us the joy of eternal life.\u00a0 In both his Crucifixion and Resurrection he gives us hope, hope that we desperately need.<\/p>\n

Lent is a time to prepare ourselves for what is to come.\u00a0 The question we need to ask ourselves is what do I need to change in my life?\u00a0 What am I doing wrong?\u00a0 What stands in the way of me deepening my relationship with Jesus?<\/p>\n

In terms of deepening our relationship with Jesus, this begins with thinking about our sins and seeking God\u2019s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.\u00a0 But if we really want to change, it isn\u2019t just about what sins have I committed.<\/p>\n

We need to ask ourselves, \u201cGoing forward, what temptations do I face?\u00a0 What temptations are hard for me to resist?\u00a0 Where do I need Jesus\u2019 help to resist temptation?\u201d<\/p>\n

Temptation exists.\u00a0 It is a difficult challenge.\u00a0 Jesus knows that.\u00a0 As we begin Lent each year, to direct our thoughts on temptation, we hear the story of Jesus\u2019 temptation in the desert.<\/p>\n

Luke tells us how Jesus was \u201cled by the Spirit into the desert.\u201d\u00a0 It does NOT say that the Spirit led Jesus into temptation.\u00a0 It was the desert that he was led to.\u00a0 The desert is to be a place of solitude and reflection.\u00a0 Jesus spends forty days there fasting.\u00a0 Only then does the devil strike!<\/p>\n

The devil knows when to strike, most often when we are at our weakest, when we do not have the strength or will power to resist.<\/p>\n

Worse yet, the devil often tempts us with something we need.\u00a0 In Jesus\u2019 case, the devil knows Jesus has not eaten.\u00a0 Jesus has the power to change a stone into bread.\u00a0 The devil knows that.\u00a0 How could it be wrong for Jesus to use his power to eat?<\/p>\n

We would hope that everyone would have enough to eat and have clothing and a home.\u00a0 But not everyone does.\u00a0 What action might they take trying to feed their family?\u00a0 The end is worthy but the end does not justify the means.<\/p>\n

For those of us who do have enough, we might felt ok as is but we\u00a0when we see something wrong going on at work, do we speak\u00a0up or do we keep our mouths shut so we don’t get fired, thinking I need this job to provide food for my family; or insurance for my sick spouse\/child.<\/p>\n

The devil tries to tempt Jesus with power.\u00a0 Jesus isn\u2019t interested in power but for us power can be tempting.\u00a0 Sometimes we seek power just to look good.\u00a0 That would be pride and pride is a sin.<\/p>\n

We might also think, well if I ignore this one incident, for instance an unethical practice at work, then I\u2019ll get that promotion and then I will really have the power to change things, to do what is right.<\/p>\n

Sounds good but does it play out that way?\u00a0 The devil tempts us.\u00a0 We keep our mouths shut one time and then another and another and before long, it can seem too late to change anything.<\/p>\n

What have we lost?\u00a0 Was that one time worth it?<\/p>\n

The devil works in steps.\u00a0 It can be a slippery slope.\u00a0 Sometimes we might give into a big temptation all at once but often it comes in steps.\u00a0 Oh that\u2019s not too bad.\u00a0 Well, then if once isn\u2019t too bad, how bad can twice be\u2026..<\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard.\u00a0 The devil knows this.<\/p>\n

Jesus knows it too.\u00a0 Remember Jesus?\u00a0 The Son of God who became human who knows what it is like to face temptation?<\/p>\n

In our temptation, may we always turn to Jesus for strength and guidance in the gift of the Holy Spirit!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1st Sunday in Lent, Year C Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13 February 17, 2013 On Wednesday, we marked the beginning of our Lenten journey for this year with the reception of ashes.\u00a0 Lent is a time that\u2019s purpose is to lead us to the joy of the Easter Triduum. Central in the Triduum is …<\/p>\n

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