In the midst of temptations, trust in God
march 9, 2025 | 1st sunday of lent, Year C
Deuteronomy 26:4-10; 91; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4: 1-13
Lent is a very special season. A period of time like no other in the year when we get a chance to make a real change in our life, a time when we can dive deeper into biblical teachings, prayers, ideas, concepts, and doctrines. The more this begins to take roots in our lives, the more we begin to grow into a profound relationship with God and better our relationship with one another. On this first Sunday of Lent, we focus on temptations and how to overcome them.
What is temptation?
Temptation is here taken to be an incitement to sin whether by persuasion or by the offer of some good or pleasure. The Catechism of the Catholic Church sees temptation as an attraction, either from within oneself or external forces, to act contrary to right reason and God’s commandments. We are tempted every day because the devil always tries turn our attention away from Jesus and God’s kingdom.
Types of temptations
The temptations that we go through are the same that Jesus experienced thousands years ago. We are often tempted like Jesus on physical needs, that is, things that our body needs (food, water and pleasures).
“If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
Jesus is teaching us through this temptation that our dependence on God is more important than our dependence on material.
“Man does not live with bread alone, but every word that comes from God’s mouth.”
How about if we focus on our relationship with God by using the word of God as our Master weapon.
Our daily experience shows the temptation of power and superiority. The temptation of pride and excessive search of power can be very dangerous as it can lead jealousy, using unchristian means to destroy, eliminate or suppress others. It gives rise to pride and violence in all its forms. Our devotion and love for God must come before our self-seeking ambitions.
The temptation of idolatry, that is a psychological temptation to give into false security and false idea of self-control and self-sufficiency. St. Augustine tells that, we can overcome all these temptations today by imitating Jesus. Let’s stand strong against temptations in our lives. Yes indeed, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve”. Amen.
Living the Gospel this week: Time, Trust and Surrender
In the first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy 26:4-10, the Israelites offer their first fruits to God, showing their trust and gratitude. They recognize that everything they have comes from Him. What a powerful example of trust to imitate.
In Romans 10:8-13, Paul encourages us to trust in Jesus for our salvation. Believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths shows our faith. In our pilgrimage of faith, our trust in God’s promise is essential. During this Lent, please open your heart to God’s promises in your life!
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC