A WORD FOR TODAY 1 MARCH 2020

A WORD FOR TODAY

THE POWER TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION

Temptations, trials and tests are part of our existential struggle. They come to us on a daily basis and we are expected to conquer them and not let them conquer us. To be tempted is not the issue, but what you do when it does come will determine whether you will win or it will defeat you.

The first reading and the gospel reading of this day presents to us the temptation of Adam and Eve in the garden and Our Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness respectively. Two temptations and two different reactions. Our first parents failed, because they gave the serpent the space to deceive them, but Jesus did not give the devil the space to deceive Him, because He was focused on His mission and cannot give it up for any earthly promise by the devil.

We must learn from Jesus if we must overcome the temptations that come our way. He was focused and was not distracted with the devil's offer of food, fame and power, because He knew who He was and what He has come to do. He knows that the glory the Father will give to Him in the end will be better than the cheap and fake fame that the devil is using to lure Him away from His mission._

Temptation can come to you anywhere, but if you stay close to Jesus and fill your hearts with His Word, you will have the weapon to defeat the devil when he tempts you through the things of this life. Jesus responded to all the temptations He experienced by quoting from the Scriptures, Deuteronomy 8: 3/ 6: 13/ 6:16). The power of the Word of God gives us victory over the forces of evil and their plans. It gives life, revives the soul, gives us joy and strength and helps us to repent of our sins.

If we are going to overcome temptations we must stay at alert always and be vigilant. We must be aware of our strength and weaknesses and avoid occasions that will make you put yourself into a tight corner where the evil one will bring you down and make a mess of you. You must practise detachment and self-denial and in this way you will be alive in the things of the Spirit and the material things of life and its corresponding pleasure can never be the object of seduction for you.

Jesus was tempted and He conquered, therefore you too can conquer that which is tempting you at the moment if you follow His lead and let Him guide you. God helps us in our battle. Do not fight alone, but draw your strength from Him and your victory will be assured.

In the words of saint Augustine, "We cannot win our crown unless we overcome, and we cannot overcome, unless we enter the contest and there is no contest unless we have an enemy and the temptations he brings"

The season of lent is a time to go into the desert to fortify ourselves so that the evil one will not have a grip on us and manipulate us as he wills. We must identify the source of our temptation and failings and plug it so that we will shine out again for the Lord.

Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a blessed Sunday and new month of March. May God's grace be sufficient for you so that you will conquer and overcome all your temptations. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Meditation: Genesis 2:7-9;3:1-7/Psalm 51:3-6,12-14,17/Romans 5:12-19/Matthew 4:1-11

Watch-Word: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

When you flee temptation, please do not leave a forwarding address where the devil can locate you.

(First Sunday of Lent, Cycle A)