1st Sunday of Lent, A

Fighting temptation

Matthew 4:1-11

Temptation is as old as time which we never seem to neutralize perfectly.  Sin is always before us, contaminating us no end.

Temptation results in sinfulness.  The only way to be strong in temptation is to follow Jesus.  There are 3 temptations we have to triumph:

First, the temptation to wealth

It is God who is our true wealth.  Wealth is not nor forever be a sign of security in the world.  It may be a passport to buying all the things we want in the world.  But it can't be our passport to heaven.

Second, the temptation to power

Jesus has power; but he would rather use it to serve. For what is our power for?  To prove our worth or give ourselves to others?

Third, the temptation to self

Pride is the mother of all sins.  Let our life stories not be about ourselves but how God transformed our lives.