At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert
to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4:1

Matthew 4:1-11

Reflection

After Jesus fasts in the desert for forty days and nights, the devil comes to tempt him. He first tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, then throw himself from the temple to be saved by angels, and lastly worship the devil himself.

Because Jesus is God, he of course cannot be tempted and tricked by the devil. But we, as humans, can be. Jesus’ human nature reveals to us that the devil will try to tempt us, luring us by power, hunger, and other things that are enticing. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to fall into sin at times.

Satan offers us what looks like an easy, pleasurable life. This is a lie. Only Jesus can offer us true joy, and that comes with suffering in life. Our journey on earth can either prepare us for heaven or not. Which will you choose?

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Saint of the Day

St. Margaret of Cortona: 1247 – 1297

“My daughter, I will place you among the Seraphs, among the virgins whose hearts are flaming with the love of God.” Jesus to St. Margaret