Taking Temptation Seriously

Written by Matt Rejniak on the First Sunday of Lent

Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always imagined the devil as this large goat-man that hides in people’s shadows and whispers bad and hurtful things to them. He tells you that you aren’t good enough, tempts you to break the commandments, and tells you to distrust your relationship with others and with God.

I think that I don’t give Satan enough credit. In today’s Gospel, Satan tempts Jesus not only with the necessities he needs to live or wealth, but also with something more subtle, and in some ways, more dangerous. Satan tempts Jesus with proving himself to be who he says he is. More so, he does so by quoting the tool that Jesus has used thus far to rebuke him, that of Scripture.

I sometimes notice that I fall into this temptation in my life. On some days, as I do my evening examen, I find the moments that I saw my own sinfulness the clearest were moments where I should have been my best at. Moments where the gifts I was given by God were used to further my own pride and interests, moments where I take the wrong path because I know better than everyone else in my life.

As we enter more deeply into Lent, let us pray that the same Spirit who accompanied Jesus into the desert will give us the strength to resist temptation and the grace to use our gifts for the greater glory of God.

Questions for Reflection
How are you feeling tempted in your life right now?
How have you used your gifts in a way that falls short of their intended purpose?  How might you better use your gifts for the glory of God?

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Matt Rejniak
Matt is one of St. Mary’s Campus Ministry Associates for the 2015-2016 academic year.  He works with the special events team, RCIA and liturgy.
Email: mrejniak@smspnewman.org