Reflection
Yesterday we saw Jesus publicly affirmed as the Son of God at his baptism. Almost immediately, that identity is challenged in the wilderness, as the tempter begins with the words, “If you are the Son of God.”
What’s striking is that it is the Spirit who leads Jesus into this place of testing. And in the temptations he faces, we can recognise our own: the desire for comfort, the pull toward power, and the urge to put ourselves at the centre of things.
Does this sound familiar? What is our response in moments of temptation?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to ponder – Lectio Divina.
Scripture
Matthew 4:1-11 WEB
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. The tempter came and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
But Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’”
Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and,
‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written,
‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”
Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Anima Christi: Les Padrés