Gospel Reflections for March 5 2017
Don’t get fooled!
Years ago I received an email from Nigeria saying I would receive several hundred thousand dollars as a gift for being such a good person. All I had to do was to send a few hundred dollars to cover expenses. I knew this was a scam and just deleted it. However, I later learned some people did get fooled and lost a lot of money. I am grateful a little knowledge stopped me from falling for the oldest temptations of all; a quick path to fortune. That Nigerian was unaware I was already informed and could not be easily fooled.
In today’s Gospel, the devil offers similar temptations to Jesus in the desert. Each offered a quick path to fame, fortune, or power. But Jesus already knows the true path …and it is not the devil’s way. A little knowledge stopped Our Lord from falling for the oldest temptation of all.
False temptations “fool us” into thinking that fame, fortune, drugs, food, an affair, or any material thing can quickly provide lasting happiness. Even just a little knowledge reveals you will be fooled. How silly we feel later when we realize we’ve been “had!”
Temptations are not always bad. A good temptation moves us in a better direction, such as a temptation to forgive a loved one, or help the poor in some way, or go to Mass, or take a class to learn more about our faith. Those temptations have a more lasting effect on us, and help us feel even happier.
Every University Series session points us toward Our Lord, as the source of true and lasting human happiness. (see theuniversityseries.org) We have great speakers this year, in scripture, current events, faith & science, parenting, marriage, and spirituality. That knowledge is just what we need to prevent our being fooled by short-term temptations. Their ideas give us the stability and wisdom to see through scams and false promises that are so much a part of life today. Stability and wisdom are great virtues to have for ourselves, but even better if we pass them on to our family and friends.
I don’t know what other scams will come my way in the future, but I certainly know a firm knowledge of Our Lord as the source and author of true human happiness is the best protection of all. See you at the University Series!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
I have been tested too about the temptation to believe something that I knew could not true ! You have to be very careful in today’s world, where so much of our information is known to everyone.
Fr. Dave, I saw you on ABC, where you were talking about the officer that was shot. Such a sad thing to happen to such a great man. I was so happy to see you, but very disappointed that they didn’t announce your name !,
You spoke beautifully, as always….looking forward to seeing you at St. Mel’s for the University Series.
We still miss you very much, and hope you are doing well
The University Series is a wonderful experience! I like the bright, shiny venues with refreshments and courteous attendees. The presentations are enlightening and entertaining. It is a great night out! I am “tempted” to try to attend every one!
I’ve been attending University for several years and have gained knowledge and met some kind people along the way. See you soon Fr. Dave.
It is good to be vigilant and not fall prey to scams and frauds that are too good
to be true.
The answer that Jesus gave to each temptation as He was put to the test must have
baffled the evil one as he departed in total defeat!
When temptations come we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us make the
right choices.
University classes are always #1 on our Lenten “to do” list. We have been enlightened and inspired by the many knowledgable presenters from the very first classes in Thousand Oaks many years ago.. For those who have not experienced this outstanding series, we would encourage your participation. It will deepen and expand your knowledge and understanding of what “being Catholic” is all about!
We will always be grateful to Fr. Dave for his tireless efforts not only in introducing the concept but also engaging dedicated and well informed speakers, and ensuring that the series will continue with the blessing of the Archdiocese.
Make it your #1 Lenten Experience!
Bob and Rose Mary Swanstrom
That was a good response to the Gospel on how temptation comes and seems sincere but isn’t. With the movies and what they are teaching in schools, it is very hard for those who don’t see what is happening and how to avoid those temptations. The university series and classes that have been offered at St. Rose are a big help. We need a lot of discernment to see what the devil tries to lead us into.
It is very easy especially in today’s day and age to fall prey to the secularism that pervades our society, We are constantly bombarded with media that underscores the importance of the individual over the group and promotes atheism and denigrates Christianity. The University Series is a wonderful way to re-connect with our faith while exploring those curiosities that have always tempted or intrigued us. I loved anthropology in college. I always believed that science and religion could reconcile themselves and that science did not disprove the existence of God, but rather proved that we are all here by design. Rick and I look forward to our next edification, hearing you lecture on archeology at St. Peter of Claver on the 13th.
Father Dave, Dick and I love your University Series so overflowing with our God, our Jesus, and our Mary’s precious love!! We loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee growing in our faith and sharing it with others!!!Beautiful faith, beautiful life!!! You and the University are a precious blessing from our loving God!!! We are soooooooooooooooooooo loved!!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick