Triumph Over Temptation: Lessons from Jesus in the Desert

03-09-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Albert

On Wednesday, we began the season of Lent. Lent is the season of repentance, a change in our attitude towards God and our neighbor. Every year on the first Sunday of Lent, the liturgy of the word invites us to meditate on the temptations of Jesus, which show us how to remain focused in our call as Christians and in our faithfulness to God the Father who is always faithful.

Jesus spent forty days in the desert overcoming the devil, and Lent is a time for us to get rid of whatever bit of the devil remains in us by overcoming sin in our lives. But Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, knows that the solution to life's problems cannot be found in quick spectacles or manipulative power. Jesus discovers, by contending with the devil and sending the devil away, that his calling is not to be a superstar, but to be a servant. His ministry is not to wear a crown but to carry a cross.

The first temptation of Jesus shows us how we are also tempted by our human appetite, our passion, and our desires. Jesus has the power to do whatever he wills, and he was tempted in this regard to use his power to turn stones to bread for his own pleasure. We too face similar temptations to use what we have to satisfy the desires of our flesh.

The second temptation concerns the acquisition of power and wealth, success, honor, etc. It is a worship of power and security. People could do anything for wealth. The third temptation concerns the presumption of divine favor—"if you are the son of God." We at times take advantage of the sacraments we receive by committing sin. As children of God, we need to identify God in moments of our suffering and frustration.

We can overcome Satan by putting God first in our lives in every way. The three quotations from Deuteronomy cited by Jesus when talking with Satan in the Gospel remind us of putting God first in everything. "Man does not live by bread alone." Not by bread alone does man live but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord. "You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve." "You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test."

Every day, we are confronted with temptations, but our faith should not be shaken. Even in the face of temptations, we should be able to stand firm and show our belief in God. The second reading assures us that, "No one who believes in God would be put to shame... everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." So let us trust in our heavenly Father, and we shall triumph over every temptation.