Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
This Sunday could almost be called “Temptation Sunday.”
In the first reading, the devil — that ancient serpent — tempts Adam and Eve with the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He promises that if they eat it, they will become like gods, able to decide for themselves what is good and what is evil, what is right and what is wrong. But it was a lie. And the devil still lies to us.
Scripture calls Satan the “father of lies.” He tempts us to go against God’s will, to ignore His commandments, to put ourselves in God’s place, to decide what is right and wrong without reference to God’s law. Since that first sin of Adam and Eve, we have all shared in original sin — a condition we inherit at conception (with the beautiful exception of Mary, conceived without sin). It was that original sin, which we have inherited, that has caused the rupture in our relationship with God. That separation from God is washed away in Baptism. In Baptism, God’s sanctifying grace—God’s life—rushes into us.
But even after Baptism, temptation remains. We know that from experience that throughout our lives, the “father of lies” continues to whisper his distortions and half-truths. We cannot blame the devil for our sins — only for tempting us. The choice is still ours. That is why, in confession, we begin with those honest words: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” We take responsibility, and we seek mercy.
The good news is this: we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. In today’s Gospel, Jesus — true God and true man — is tempted in every way that we are, yet He does not sin. At the end of His time in the desert, He declares, “The Lord, your God, shall you worship, and Him alone shall you serve.” That stands in sharp contrast to our first parents, who were quick to take the bait of evil and turn away from God.
Lent is our time to follow Jesus into the desert. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we seek to reject sin and believe more deeply in the Gospel. We discipline our passions. We realign our hearts with God’s heart. We try to move forward in faith.
But temptation is never far away. As Oscar Wilde once said, “I can resist everything except temptation.”
Yes, we are weak. But our strength is in Christ. Jesus answered Satan with the Word of God. And the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us: “Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested” (Hebrews 2:18).
He is able to help us.
When you feel the gravitational pull of temptation, remember that Jesus is on your side. Call upon His holy name. He understands the struggle. And when we stumble — when we lose a skirmish — we remember that Christ has already won the war. His victory over sin and death is complete. His mercy restores us. His forgiveness heals us. It is there for the asking.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Have a blessed week and a blessed Lent everyone.