How does a
worm get inside an apple? Dig’s it’s way in? No, the insect lays an egg on the
apple blossom. Sometime later, the worm hatches in the heart of the apple, then
eats its way out. It begins on the inside.
Shakespeare
wrote in “Julius Caesar” “the fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in
ourselves.” Left unattended it can destroy us – break homes – shatter hearts –
ruin bodies – all because we have failed to recognize sin.
The First
Sunday of Lent, we always hear about the temptations of Jesus in the desert. In
some way, we also face the same temptations:
1) Temptation Not to Fast
We have all
been there. I looked in the cupboard on Thursday and there they were potato
chips. Didn’t we clean all the junk food out? Where did that come from? We may
have given up alcohol, social media, our favorite food. But Lent is long, and maybe we are having a
stressful day. Well, what’s the point, giving up such a small thing? It really
doesn’t matter. Have just one – just an hour – just a day – just a week.
Why should
we fight it?
It is
important to fast – so we will not be slaves to our appetites – we must be able
to control ourselves.
We also fast
to remind ourselves who our real master is – and where real happiness
lies! Jesus said – “One does not live on
bread alone.” Like happiness my brothers
dog Yogi got when he discovered a big bag of food and no one around. Best happiness is uniting ourselves with God!
2) Temptation Not to Pray
The devil
shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world – they are yours, just do not worship
God. The devil does not have to go so far with us. Just show us our smartphone.
Or maybe this project must be done, or this game must be played on Sunday
morning. Or, there is a new series on
Netflix that I must binge watch.
Jesus said:
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve.” – not our
curiosity, busyness or our laziness.
Only way to serve – Life up our hearts and minds to God – pray!
3) Temptation Not to Give Alms - presume
God will take care of everything
Devil takes
Jesus up to the top of the Temple – throw yourself down – God will save
you. “Do not put the Lord your God to
the test!”
He refuses
to fall into presumption. It’s like I sin and tell myself – I can go to
confession. Of course, we can – but we take advantage of His mercy and use God.
We are also
asked to do our part. God will do it, the government will do it, my parents
will do it – what about me? Love in
action means being of service to others, not being served. Remember Jesus at
Last Supper – knelt and washed their feet. As I have done you also must do!
The real Temptation
this Lent is to go through the motions.
The word is near to us, waiting for us to reach out so that he can
transform us! This is the time – do not
wait!!!
