Posted by The WORD in other words (2013) by Fr Emil Lim SVD – Hong Kong
1st Sunday of Lent – C
Jesus was “led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.” It sounds as if the Spirit himself puts Jesus in harm’s way. Why would God allow us to be tempted? This is asked by many good and honest Christians, who, in spite of their closeness to the Lord, go through the most difficult tests in life?
A student asked the teacher, “Ma’am, do you want us to fail? ‘Of course, not,” said the teacher. “Then why to do you give us difficult test?” continued the student. The teacher replied: “So you can pass it and prove yourselves as really as good and capable of greater things.”
While temptations always carries the danger of failing, God sees an opportunity for redemption there as well. When temptation is met as a test of character, a test of will, a test of spirit, then we could come out it better person. No great person on earth is spared from being tempted. In fact, it might even be a prerequisite for a truly heroic life — think of Abraham, Moses, Job, Joseph and Mary, and the saints.
God makes no exceptions, not even his own Son. When Jesus was tempted, tested in every ways and still won over them, it puts him among the ranks of the great patriarchs, prophets and heroes of the Old Testament. When tempted, we are confronted not only by the dangers of our weaknesses, but also are faced with the chance to rise to new spiritual heights.
The temptation of Jesus is always read on the first Sunday of Lent. It is a good introduction to our observance of this holy season. One reason is the number. Jesus’ forty days in the desert is parallel with the forty days of Lent.
In this period, we have a heightened awareness of our personal struggle with temptation and sin. Another reason pertains to Lenten discipline practices. We are asked to take the challenge of discipline by fasting and abstinence. Some people will even try mortification by proving their stamina for pains and sacrifice of denying themselves certain pleasures. But none of these will be of value without the Spirit.
What will lead us during this Lent? Will we allow ourselves to be carried by the desires of our bodily appetites and the basic instincts of our emotions? Or will we take the test of character by heeding the higher call of the Spirit towards deeper prayer, meaningful sacrifice, and loving Christ more than ourselves?
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