Gospel Reflections for February 18 2018
Temptations
I will make an offer to Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, and Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, to speak in our University Series.
Our University Series is coming soon, and will provide over 50 sessions at St. Bruno and St. Mary in Whittier, and Beatitudes parish in La Mirada, as well as thirteen parishes in Ventura County. (theuniversityseries.org)
I thought it would be great to have the two richest people in the world speak in our series.
How can I tempt them to come? After careful consideration, I will tempt them with an amazing offer of …$200! I am sure they will accept.
Well, that invitation didn’t happen! You cannot tempt the two richest people in the world with $200! After all, they are billionaires. You cannot be tempted with money you already have!
Perhaps that’s the real lesson in today’s Gospel.
Jesus is tempted by the devil, but what could Jesus be tempted with? He is already the Son of God who is the creator of the universe! The person who is already connected with all of creation cannot be tempted by anything smaller.
Temptations come from wanting something that you don’t have. People are tempted to want this or that thing, or this or that situation in life. Focusing on what you don’t have can lead to resentment …and certain unhappiness.
This Lent is good time to recognize and be grateful for what you already have and see the goodness and virtue you already possess. The purpose of Lent is to connect you even more deeply with yourself, and Our Lord. When you finally feel His love for you, it brings a sense of profound fullness, the opposite of loss. You see the things of this earth in true perspective, and recognize they cannot fulfill you. Only Our Lord can bring that feeling of fullness.
It is interesting that those in Santa Barbara last year who faced brushfires and mudslides were only focused on their family’s safety. They knew that possessions, even their homes, were not as important. It was love for their family that made them feel fulfilled, even as they lost a home.
This Lent is a time to recognize that our relationship with the Lord is the most fulfilling of all. You can discover this person of Jesus throughout Lent, and especially in our University Series.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Hi Father Dave, it is difficult for some
to understand that Jesus came to help all of us but specially sinners like
oneself but Lenten season along with the university series comes along to helps and guide us better understand
our Faith in our Lord Jesus. Thank you for the university series Father Dave and big success is in sight for the series in the Whittier area thanks to you. May God God Bless you always.
thanks to you.
us
Thank you for your great words of encouragement forthe University Series!
When they see this, as they may, they might be tempted by their own personal growth opportunities through the study and interaction. I know I am.
Well said!
Dear Father Dave,
You’re message is so very true. I particularly appreciate the reminder of the connecting ties between our precious Jesus, ourselves, and the love of family and friends.
All the best to you and your parish for a successful University season. Who knows, if the “billionaires” knew about the “University” they might participate.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Billionaires are always welcome!
Love your Univwrsity series, Father Dave and we are sooooooooooooooooo rhankful to you for it!!!! It touches people with our Jesus and our Blessed Mother’s Divine love and inspires us to love our Faith,,our God, our Jesus, our Blessed Mother so much more and touch the world with their amazing, beautiful loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee following Jesus in Love!!!May our world accept the invitation, “Come follow me and be transformed to love and live in peace!!!!!We will see you at your beautiful University series and perhasps someday every parish in our precious America will have your Series of love!!!
Have a beautiful day filled with our loving Jesus and our beautiful Blessed Mother’s Divine love of hope and joy!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
See you in the University Series!
Hi Fr. Dave
Perhaps they (Gates ,Bezos) would be interested in everlasting joy and happiness. Jesus is all of that and so much more!!
God Bless
Well said!
A great reflection on getting in touch with the Lord during the season of Lent, Fr. Dave!
It is through prayer that we develop a relationship with the Lord who gives us peace
and joy in His Presence. Like you say, Jesus who is above all and can’t be tempted by something less,
so why did He allow Himself to be tempted by the devil?
It must be to identify with us in His humanity and to offer us help to resist the evil one..
In His compassion and love for us He is always there to be our Mediator when we fall..
Yes, that Jesus was tempted tells us that temptations are not sinful. Our only job is to not give in!
It was indeed edifying to witness the onset of University this past Thursday with Fr. Steve Davoren at St. Paschal’s, and Fr. Felix Just at Padre Serra. Not only is Fr. Felix’es knowledge of Scripture richly complete, his enthusiasm for same is infectious. The turnouts at both events confirm that “University” has become self promoting thereby leading us to “to connect even more with our spiritual self.”
Thanks, love and prayers for University as it continues to expand, enriching spiritual enlightenment in the environs of Southern California!
Bob and Rose Mary
Glad to hear the good news about University attendance! You made my day!
When I reflected on these scriptures I was reminded on how Jesus told us how to live but also set the example. How to not let the temptations of life get to us. Our enemy likes to tempt us not to forgive, be angry, and to do things that are not pleasing to God. We are a fragile people and with Gods help we can be willing to fight the good fight of faith and win over those areas in our life that are difficult to overcome.
This short scripture gives me hope.
Well said!