Jesus Tempted in the Desert
  Gen. 2:7-9; 3:1-7/ Ps 51/ Rom 5:12-19/ Mt 4:1-11
  Introduction
 

         When we go for a trip we do a lot of preparations. Sometimes when we are about to leave, only then we realize that we still have so many things to prepare. Sometimes a 7Am trip becomes a 9:00 am journey. Maybe because parents want to put provisions for unfortunate things that might happen along the way. Usually, “they prepare for the worst.” Today’s Gospel tells how Jesus, after his baptism in the Jordan, gathered his disciples and set a journey towards Jerusalem to die on the cross. For Matthew, everything in the life of Jesus led to Jerusalem to fulfill the very purpose of his coming: “to save humanity through his death and resurrection.” But he needs to “prepare” himself and pass all temptations that might come along the way. “He needs to prepare for the worst.”

  
  Background
 
  1. Matthew used a sudden twist.  Right after the Spirit glorified Jesus in Baptism, it was the same Spirit that drove him into the wilderness. But at the end it was the same Spirit guides and protects him against the temptations of the Devil. Unlike in the First Reading when God blew into Adam’s nostrils the “breath of life.” That “Breath” was the Spirit of God. But Adam failed to use that power that was within him. He immediately fell into Satan’s power and the whole humanity fell with him. We too, received the power coming from the Spirit of God when we were baptized. But oftentimes we failed to use that grace, and we become so weak against temptations of the devil.

  2. Forty days – it was used in the Old Testament more as an expression than as a numerical entity. Moses was said to be on the mountain with God for forty days (Ex. 24:18), Elijah went in the strength of the meal the angel gave him for forty days. (1 Kings 19:8). For the Jews it does not literary mean 40 but it only means: an “enough” length of time of being with God. In our life today, we do not have to be so conscious of how many minutes or hours we already spend in prayer. Prayer can not be measured by time or by any numerical figures it is rather the focus of your mind and the disposition of the heart before God that matters most.

  3. Satan – It was first used as human adversary or opponent. His task is to say everything that can be said against a man (cf. Job 1:6-7). It was also addressed to Peter when he is trying to prevent Christ to die on the cross (“get away of me Satan…”)Later it was taken as the power which is against God. In today’s Gospel, it could be a certain man who happened to pass in the dessert and noticed Jesus praying and talked to him. He might probably whisper some words that were contrary to the will of the Father that made him labeled as “Satan.” He might have suggested to Jesus “to use his power for his own benefit, (turn stone to bread) and not for the salvation of others - a proposal which is directly opposite to the will of the Father. In our life, we must be careful for those who come along our way and whisper some words of advice. Some words might sound good, but they do not necessarily mean that they are the will of God for you.
  
  Application To Life:  
 
  1. “Temptations strength us” - In our life today, with all kinds of modern technologies, it is impossible to escape the assault of temptations.  On the positive side, if we can overcome these temptations, they can strengthen our hearts and minds for the greater battle that still awaits us. They can help us to become great warriors and athletes of God. Many great people and saints who became successful in life were those who passed great battles and temptations in life.
  2. “Angels administered to him” – Even God sent angels to assist Jesus. We need the help of other people, our own families and most of all the grace of God when temptations become so tough for us. Remember that even those great persons in the history fell in it. The “strongest man” Samson fell to Delilah. The “holiest man” David fell to Bathsheba. The “Wisest man” Solomon fell to his 700 wives. If we are not the “strongest, the holiest and the wisest man of this world, do not be so over confident. Always cry for help to God in prayer. Remember that the “Devil is like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)  But if you come every Sunday in the mass then the prayer of whole community strengthens you. And with God in your side you will never fail.
  3. “Agere contra” – St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits had suggested a good tool to fight temptations. If you are tempted once, you go against it twice. When you are praying the rosary and your mind is disturbed by the devil, tell yourself to pray rosary twice. If he does not stop then pray another one. When the devil realize that the more he tempts you the more you will pray then he will stop. Obviously he doesn’t want you to pray more and become holier than before.
  
  Conclusion  
            Yes, all of us are travelers in this world. But many people failed to make good trip because they failed to make good preparations before hand. They brought wrong stuff. And the things that they don’t need are the things they brought, and the things that are essentials are what they failed to bring. For us Christians, even how hard our journey would be, as long as we prepare souls right, no matter what kind of temptations would come along our way, we are set to find a successful and enjoyable trip towards our eternal Jerusalem, in the Kingdom of the Father at the end of time.