Temptation: Jesus 3-Satan 0

Beads of Joy 03-13-11

Temptation: Jesus 3 - Satan 0
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Temptation is one thing we will all face throughout our lives. Jesus also had to deal with it, and I bet that His temptation was far more difficult; considering the devil himself was there in person trying to mislead Jesus. I read that temptation is actually a very healthy part of our spiritual life. Yes, you did read that correctly, but then it is obvious, why that would be said. See if you are in a healthy spiritual relationship with Jesus, you will recognize what temptation is (a lie); and in that you will even more so cling to Jesus, and draw yourself to Him as you are tempted. So in that, recognizing temptation, only deepens your spiritual life; not recognizing it, or not paying any mind to it, can easily lead you away from Jesus. The best advice I have always known in dealing with temptation is this: Once you see and know that these feelings, that thing you see in your eye, the location you are in, whatever; will be sending you down a path of sin and hell.. RUN, FLEE and get away as far as you can.

Temptation isn't something we should even consider fighting, or think we can easily over power. Is it possible to over power it, and defeat it? Absolutely. But know that the devil sees your strength, but at the same time he is studying all your weaknesses; having non stop patience to hit you at the right moment when you are weakest. Eventually if you keep fighting him, he will win. We must keep in mind, temptation is subtle, one inch, and one step at a time. In the end temptation brings out of us, what is in us, and our virtues are tested. Do you see how this is such a challenge? Satan is battling for your heart, how much do you really want to go to Heaven? How much do you really love Jesus? We must do whatever we can to at least be able to recognize temptation; when it is not hidden within that chocolate cake, or that bottle of wine, or in the smile of that person. Temptation will not approach us in any ugly way, it will be covered up in something we like or love. Sort of a camouflage.

Let's take a simple look at the evolution of temptation: First it's a simple thought, maybe of something you like, or someone you like, or something you like to do. What hits you next is only natural. Second your imagination takes it and runs off with it, delighting your thoughts with the pleasures of that first simple thought. Now you are allowing satan to enter into your mind, not as an evil spirit taking you away from God, but rather a pleasant thought of something you like. Thirdly this is followed by deep delight in these thoughts with a little bit of evil inclination. Finally you find yourself agreeing that it is ok to pursue these thoughts. And now that you have gone this far, little by little satan will continue to invade your heart and mind, justifying and convincing you that it's ok, you're not hurting anybody. So what do we do? I say, what did Jesus do? Two things that were obvious, knowledge of scripture, and His close relationship to God, the Father Almighty. Our eyes really need to remain on Jesus at all times, that alone helps us avoid so much temptation we can't see and won't pursue, why; because we are too preoccupied adoring Jesus.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
(Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness)
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and 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 give his angels charge of you,' and `On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, `You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! for it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him."

Questions To Ponder Today:
-Where do we get our strength in times of temptation?
-Do we ever feel trapped or lured into a trap by satan?
-Would you be able to find the same peace an solitude?
-Did you ever retreat some place for a period of time to pray?
-How do you personally deal with your own temptations?
(Learn your own weaknesses, and build your walls in advance.)


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of The Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation