Gospel for February 26 2023 – Matthew 4:1-11
Gospel Reflections for February 26 2023
Temptations come and go
The Season of Lent always begins with this dramatic story of Satan cleverly tempting Jesus at the end of His 40-day retreat in the desert.
The devil knows exactly how to tempt you as well, which is always when and where you are most vulnerable.
Satan cleverly waits until the very end of Our Lord’s 40 day journey when He will be starving for food, feeling weak and powerless, and feeling alone. Satan targets Jesus precisely in those three areas.
Right when Jesus is most hungry He is tempted to turn stones into bread. Right when Jesus feels powerless He is tempted to showcase awesome power. Right when Jesus feels alone He is tempted to possess all the kingdoms of the world.
The devil is tempting Jesus to use His divine power to change the world. Jesus will not do that. He will only use love to change the world, and especially the sacrificial love He shows on the cross.
Our Lord teaches two ideas here. Temptation happens to everyone …and love stops every temptation.
You are in good company with Jesus whenever you feel tempted to any kind of selfishness. Your brain is simply presenting options to you, and thinking only of yourself is just one of them. Nothing surprising about that, as long as you refocus on love and resist that selfish temptation.
If Jesus thought only of His own needs He might have given in to Satan. His love for you and your salvation prevents that. His focus on you ensures He will not fall for Satan’s ideas. His desire for your lasting happiness and salvation continues His mission.
Lent is a great time to discover your own vulnerable areas of selfishness. Is it food or drink, bad language, laziness, envy, gossip, or some other habit? Knowing yourself well and where your weak areas are can help you anticipate problems before they develop.
Lent is a great time to measure your heart too. How much of your day is spent thinking about yourself …or how you can help the people around you?
Lent is also a great time to measure your faith knowledge. Decide now to attend our Lenten Speaker Series and connect more deeply with Our Lord. (more info at stbrunochurch.org)
You will always have temptations, so practice love as Jesus loved to find the lasting happiness that is His will for you.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Beautiful reflection, Father Dave. Particularly like that Jesus refused the temptation out of love for us and our salvation. Hadn’t quite thought of it that way and it makes perfect sense. Happy Lent to you.
Gary
Thank you. Happy Lent as well!
We tend to forget the power and craftiness of the Devil and this Gospel brings it back in focus . What is transpiring in the Ukraine and the crimminal statistics occurring around us point up the importance of Lent.
Time for reflection on our faults and misconceptions brings us to self examination of conscience in what we think and do. A wonderful period of time to cure that which Ails Us.
Yes, well said!
Love your beautiful reflection father Dave!!! Lent is a beautiful time to practice love and then continue that beautiful practice all year!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you.
This Lent I resolved to finally get confirmed after years of deferring. I embrace the journey and I am learning so much, not just about my faith, but I am realizing my own errant ways, when I strayed from my faith years ago to follow my own lead. I am grateful for this pilgrimage.
Many blessings on your pilgrimage! I am glad to hear the news of your decision for Confirmation.
Thank you! Great to see you last night. My mom and I enjoyed your class!
Thanks for your review! I certainly enjoy giving all these classes.