1 Mar 2020. 1st Sun Lent. Cycle A-2020. Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7 + Rom 5:12-19 + Mt 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Mt 4:1 RSVCE).

Satan tempts, “Wealth is power; want is weakness. Busyness is business. The fittest survive. The end justifies the means. Poverty is self-denial; piety is self-pity.”

Jesus refutes, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”

Satan tempts, “Power is security. Faith is a crunch. Only you can save yourself. God left you to help yourself. Take matters into your hands. 

Jesus refutes, “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”           

Satan tempts, “Power brings fame and fortune. Power is glory. Glory draws more power and adoration. The weak worships the mighty. Humility is weakness and surrender. 

Jesus refutes, “The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.”

The power of temptation strengthens the power of endurance by one who overcomes the temptation of power (cf. Jas 1:2-3). VSS

No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it (1Cor 10:13).

LORD, give me neither poverty nor riches. Provide me only with the food I need. Lest being rich, I would be haughty and preoccupied with keeping wealth. Or, being poor, I would be grouchy and preoccupied with keeping health. Lest being full, I deny you, saying, “Who is the LORD?” Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God (Prv 30:8b-9).

Picture: Chimpanzees representing “See no evil; Hear no evil; Speak no evil.”