Reflection for Feb. 26, 2023

Jesus chooses God over life's temptations  

by Sister Carolyn Zahringer

Psalm 25:4-5 states:  “Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.”

The Psalm speaks of a desire to be taught. Life is a journey and there are many lessons along the way. Having been a classroom teacher, the teaching theme is close to my heart. In school, testing shows beginner or proficient academic gains. At work and in life, we may be an apprentice desiring to become a master. We as baptized Christians were confirmed in the faith many years ago. However, there is no end to the spiritual journey on the side of eternity, and maybe not even after!                                             

The Gospel verse states: “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4b) . In each of the Synoptic Gospels we read about Jesus being led by the Spirit into the desert for 40 days. We are being led, too, for 40 days. How will we respond to the temptations we’ll meet along the journey?

Think about it, the temptation story would not have been included in the Gospel record unless Jesus revealed it to his closest followers. Each Lent, the first Sunday focuses on Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Why?

Temptations pop up. Do we recognize them as such?

We are called to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. How will we respond in the day-to-day events of our lives?

             “Worship the Lord your God and serve only God.” (Mt. 4:10)