Temptations in the Desert

Here we are at the first Sunday of Lent. In the Gospel for today, we hear the account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. The words of the Enemy are strikingly similar to those used in the Garden. “IF you are the Son of God…” “Did God REALLY tell you not to eat the fruit of the tree?” The temptation of the New Adam echoes the temptation of the first. St. Paul tells us that because of the sin of that first Adam, many died but that the grace of God “overflows for the many” because of the gift of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:12-19). Do you believe that? Do you trust in the grace and mercy that is available to you, freely given by a God who is madly in love with you and who has made you his own? Living in our deepest identity as beloved sons and daughters is the key to resisting the temptations, lies, questions, and doubts posed by the Enemy. Trust in the Father’s love and be not afraid of the things that will come as we journey in the desert of Lent.

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