Lenten 2021 Recap
Where did the desert lead you this Lent?
The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4: 1-13, NABRE)
Filled with the holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written:
‘You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.’”
Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written:
‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’
and:
‘With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.’” When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed him for a time.
The Temptation of Jesus Reflection
Led by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit guided Jesus into the desert for forty days. This put Jesus in a vulnerable environment. With this in mind, do you believe that life is meant to be easy, without suffering or temptation?
Fasting
Jesus fasted for forty days in the desert, eating nothing. Imagine how hungry he would have been. During this recent season of Lent, how did you do with your Lenten fast(s)? How “hungry” were you?
Temptation
Throughout this Bible passage, the devil tried everything he could to tempt Jesus, hoping that he would turn to him. Jesus resisted each time. Think about times you’ve been tempted to sin and turn from God, how did you respond?
Testing God
In one of the devil’s temptations, he put Jesus to the test, hoping that he would give in. Jesus responded, indicating that you shall not put the Lord to a test. How often do we test the Lord in our own lives? Do we use God to meet our desires?
Videos for Reflection
When you think about the desert experience of Jesus, put yourself in His shoes (or sandals or bare feet). How do you respond to suffering? How do you respond to temptations? Do you defend God, or do you succumb to the devil’s wishes? Lent is a season of suffering, but it should open up the opportunity for renewal. We are all imperfect people. We make mistakes. We hurt others. We displease God. While it is a part of human nature, we can’t just accept reality as is. God is waiting for us, open arms, wishing to shed his mercy on us. But to receive his mercy, we need to come to God, open and honest. Let’s use our Lenten experiences as opportunities for growth.