Reflection for February 28: Temporal Temptation and the Power of Love
Reflection for February 28: Temporal Temptation and the Power of Love

< View or listen to a video version of this reflection offered by Campus Minister Paulina Thurmann. >

 

Temporal Temptation and the Power of Love

by Religious Studies Teacher Jason Odem


Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Reading from First Sunday of Lent

Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4:4

One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

Gospel Reading for Ash Wednesday: Matthew 4:1-11

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert
to be tempted by the devil.
He fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was hungry.
The tempter approached and said to him,
"If you are the Son of God,
command that these stones become loaves of bread."
He said in reply,
"It is written:
One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth

from the mouth of God." 

Then the devil took him to the holy city,
and made him stand on the parapet 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 with their hands they will support you,

lest you dash your foot against a stone."
Jesus answered him,
"Again it is written,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test
."
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain,
and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence,
and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you,
if you will prostrate yourself and worship me."
At this, Jesus said to him,
"Get away, Satan!
It is written:
The Lord, your God, shall you worship
and him alone shall you serve." 

Then the devil left him and, behold,
angels came and ministered to him.

A hasty glance on Instagram or other social media platforms
is all it takes to recognize our culture's obsession with life hacks, elimination diets, and general challenges for self-improvement. Jesus likely didn't have an Instagram story in mind when he went to the desert for a forty-day and forty-night fasting retreat after his baptism.

However, the inclination to resist temptation and improve one's well-being is hardwired in our collective experience. While the circumstances and means of temptations we face present themselves in new and creative ways, they are very much the same type of temptation that Jesus faced in the desert. Jesus' forty-day fast reminds us that the Son of God was tempted just as we are. 

Temptation often strikes when we are diminished.
Cutting corners in how we treat ourselves and others is easy, especially when we are tired, hungry, or simply feeling the burn of modern life. A little sip of something here, a little road rage there, a quick click on a link here, and a little bit of hatred for that one person we despise certainly can't be that big of a deal. We deserve a little break, right?

Thankfully, our imperfections are opportunities for God's grace and healing, but let's look at how Jesus handled some quite seductive and lofty temptations.

The Gospel reading above reminds us, "man does not live on bread alone." Instead of focusing on our stomachs, Jesus reminds us that Lent is not just a physical trial. The real sacrifice involves filling ourselves with something that provides lasting sustenance, the Word of God.

And what is the Word of God?
Jesus himself and his message of unconditional love. Authentic Lenten commitment is about what happens in our souls, not what we put in our mouths and stomachs. Don't fret over the carbs or sugar; instead, nurture your soul with the Truth. 

The temptations in the desert are all about power - power over material objects, power over life and death and temporal power. The beauty of this story lies in the fact that while Jesus certainly could have played the game of the Enemy, he refused to misuse his power. 

What a contrast with some leaders of our world today. Politicians grasp power by giving up their integrity, leaders of nations flex their muscles by murdering innocents, and many are willing to bow down to the spirit of material and temporal power. In contrast, Jesus calls us to follow his example, not by dying on a cross, but by breaking from those things that would keep us from worshiping and serving the Truth.

This Lent, may God help us align ourselves with the power of love, the only truly lasting power. 

The Truth is not relative, and it is not ours to negotiate away. The Truth is a humble person who calls us to love God, ourselves, and one another without reservation. This is where the real power resides. 
Mahatma Gandhi, someone who knew both physical sacrifice and the power of love, said, "Remember that all throughout history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always."

This Lent, may God help us align ourselves with the power of love, the only truly lasting power. 

Let's open our hearts to the Truth in silent prayer.
As thoughts arise, observe them, and then return to your breath. If it helps, recite a sacred word to help you return to the center. All God wants is for us to show up, be still, and go within to receive the power of love.

Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God. 
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us. 
Live Jesus in our hearts forever. 
Amen. 

Questions for Reflection

  • How and where am I tempted to cut corners and give in to temptation?
  • Consider the things of this world, the material things that I rightfully enjoy. What material things am I seeking and grasping at? Why?
  • How much time do I spend pursuing the Truth? Basically, how much of my time is spent pursuing things that are lasting and meaningful?
  • What can I do today to cultivate a meaningful life free of temptation?

If you have questions about this post, please reach out to Religious Studies Teacher Jason Odem or Campus Minister Paulina Thurmann.

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