Reflection for Sunday 2/10/08
READINGS
First Reading: First Reading: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
REFLECTION:
The devil came to Jesus as he completed a forty-day fast. Jesus was weak and exhausted and the devil hoped Jesus would be vulnerable to temptation. Satan offered Jesus opportunities to prove his self sufficiency – bread for his hunger, a test to prove God’s love, and power over the entire world. In his wisdom, Jesus declined all the devil offered him. Quoting Scripture Jesus stated, “The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” These are powerful words to live by. God is to be first in our lives. Jesus was fully aware that in our covenant with God we are completely dependent on God. As Christians we do try to live by these words but sometimes we seem to be surrounded by other responsibilities or expectations and it becomes difficult to identify what is the true priority. It is important to keep in mind that God is with us even in times of temptation. God stands with us as we make the hard choices. We can trust in God’s loving goodness that will give us strength and wisdom to choose God’s way.
1. What helpful advice could you offer someone faced with a temptation?
2. What helps you do the right thing when you want to do something wrong?
PRAYER:
Lord, God, give me the strength to resist all that leads me away from you. Help me discern how I can best serve you and your people. Enable me to be your faithful servant. Amen