Temptation is real and hunting
The first Sunday of Lent invites us to reflect on the temptation of Jesus in the desert after 40 days of prayer and fasting. The temptation story invites us to be aware of the temptations within us and around us and to understand as St. Augustine of Hippo puts it that,
“it is only by means of overcoming trials and temptations that we progress in the spiritual life and grow in holiness.”
All human beings without distinction are subject to temptations. From Adam who merely prefigures Christ,
“Jesus the true head of humanity, in whose image we have been fashioned”
(cf. Col 1:15-20),
temptation is an undeniable reality. The devil exists and is active today just as he was in the past, just that he changes tactics and means. Come Holy Spirit, come to our aid.
Return to God
In a world where everybody is complaining that the world is turned upside down and everything is in a mess. Christ’s victory over the temptations of pleasure, power and pride is a pattern for us Christians. He chose to do the will of his Father and to remain in his path. Let’s learn to choose God. Let’s return to God and all things in the world will fall back into place.
We are invited to follow Jesus the Messiah, the path to every man’s salvation.
Reset your priorities
In a world where there is confusion everywhere and in everything, there is a clear indication that our hearts, our families, our societies are set in the wrong paths and wrong priorities. Let’s reconcile with God. I beg you in this time of Lent, let’s reset our mind and our heart toward God’s direction!
Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us reset our identity as sons and daughters of God. Let’s reset our family’s purposes in God. It is only when we reset our priorities on God and hold firm on his love for us that we overcome the temptations.
It is when we conquer our temptations by choosing God’s love that we understand how much God’s love transforms, beautifies and sanctifies us daily.
Reset your mind and entire life in Christ! Come Holy Spirit, come to our aid!
Happy 1st Sunday of Lent
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC