First Sunday of Lent

Today’s gospel passage is a great lesson in ethics. Worth bearing in mind. All too often people confess their temptations. And I say to them, “remember, temptations are not sins.  Jesus was tempted three time. Remember Mt 4,1-11? 

1.“Turn stones to bread. The Devil tempted Jesus to use his miraculous powers for selfish gain.Jesus replied, "Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word God speaks”.v Temptation of materialism; money, cars, swimming pools, boats, furniture, jewellery. All of these things, like food, are fine in themselves. It is our attitude towards them  - how we prioritise them - counts.

2. Throw himself from the temple. The Devil tempted Jesus to test if God would protect him.Jesus replied, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test". Temptation of power – prestige: impress the audience – the observers - of this action.

3.The Devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worshiping him.Jesus replied, "Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!".

Temptation of fame. Think Julius Caesar. Think Napoleon Bonaparte. Think Benito Mussolini. Think Adolf Hitler. Maybe, even Donald Trump.

Every temperament tends to have its own. What are your temptations? As we approach Lent, why not take a look at your own temptations – and improve your strategy on dealing with them?

To avoid the temptation of showing off my intellectual prowess, I keep my homilies short and simple. Aren’t you lucky!