Christ’s Temptation

Fr. Frederick Edlefsen

Christ was “led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness” (Luke 4:1).  In the wilderness of this fallen world, we join Jesus in confronting “the world, the flesh and the devil” (James 3:15).  The world means vanity, greed, craving praise and honors, and a penchant for turning money into power.  The flesh means gluttony, lust, and sloth.  Unlike us, Christ’s temptations concerning the world and flesh did not come from within himself, as his humanity was innocent and untainted by Original Sin.   These temptations had to come from without – the devil.  

The devil and his minions are depraved yet personal spirits (fallen angels) that come from outside of ourselves.  For us, who suffer the effects of Original Sin, it’s hard to tell if a temptation is coming from without (devils) or from within our wounded nature (flesh or world).  But that is neither here nor there.  Do not fall into the trap of trying to figure it out.  Most temptations probably come from within.  In any event, this is what matters:  temptations can teach us trust in God’s grace if we’re willing to patiently and prayerfully suffer through them while preserving our baptismal innocence.   

Our temptations invite us to participate in Christ’s temptation and let the Holy Spirit lead the way.  The Holy Spirit guides us through perilous adventures that may frighten but always purify us.  Above all, temptation can kill Pride. Temptations can be turned into friends that teach us to rely less on virtue and more on grace.  They can teach us to pray.  They can teach the art of patience.  To be sure, holiness is not freedom from temptation.  

The Holy Spirit’s Gift of Fear of the Lord flows from Love and gently helps us navigate our tendencies to sin.  The Spirit inspires an inner fear betraying God and neighbor.  It eventually cultivates a supernatural repugnance for sin.  Pray for this Gift.   The sweetest blossom of persevering through temptation is a person’s full recognition of and living out Christ’s famous dictum: “Whatsoever you did to the least of my brothers, you do unto me” (Matthew 25:40). 

This Lent, follow Christ through temptation into purity of heart.  Join the Risen Christ – who has conquered the world – in saying, “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5)!