A Few Words On "The Word"

February 25, 2007
1st Sunday in Lent, Year C

Luke 4:1-13

A Tempting Proposal

I've got a proposition for you. What if I told you I could give you wealth and fame that would enable you to live in amazing houses, drive fast cars, travel around the world in a private jet, and essentially do anything you wanted. You might ask why or how I could promise such a generous gift. Well, it comes with a price of course. In exchange for everything our society believes is the road to complete freedom and happiness I would ask you to never again see your family; to stop going to church, school, and work; to abandon your friends; to never again actively seek to help anyone, regardless of the situation.

Hopefully, you would feel that's a very steep price to pay, regardless of the benefits you would gain. Nonetheless, the temptation to cut and run from the responsibilities of life is always strong, even when the alternative isn't the appealing prospect of money and fame.

One of the great things about our faith is the belief that Jesus is not only fully God but also fully human. Since this is the case, he totally relates to the struggles we have in our lives. He lived with temptation and the struggles that come with being a human. This week's gospel reinforces our belief in a Jesus who is fully human yet fully God.

Luke tells us that Jesus heads into the desert where he fasts (doesn't eat) for forty days! Seeing his vulnerability the devil decides to make an effort to change the course of history. He begins by offering Jesus, who is undoubtedly very hungry, bread. When Jesus turns this down, Satan ups the stakes by offering Jesus power and glory in exchange for Christ's allegiance. We know the story of course; Jesus doesn't give in to even the hardest temptation, standing strong in his belief.

We will probably never experience the same blatant kind of temptation that Jesus went through but that doesn't mean that we have it easy. We face temptation that encourages us not to work a little harder for justice every day. Just because we aren't being offered everything the world can provide doesn't make it easier. In fact, we usually face the temptation to stay at home, watch TV, or hang out with friends rather than actively build God's kingdom.

Lent isn't necessarily a time of intensified temptation but it does remind us of the continual struggle we face everyday to fulfill our promises to God. We must remember that our salvation isn't found in what we posses or attain on earth. Rather, we find salvation through perseverance, giving glory to God even when we fail live up to our full potential.

Reflection Question

How can you make lent a time to devote yourself to more fully building God's kingdom?

In what ways are you tempted to stray off the course that leads toward justice and peace?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!