Browsing Fr. Joe the Worker

02/26/2023

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

We enter our first full week of Lent.  These next weeks will give us the opportunity to examine our lives to see where we need to move away from sin and to the Lord.  This may require some changes in our actions, practices, and outlook.  But that is what Lent is for---reforming our very selves to the core.  May the days given to us during this season renew us totally.

Every year on the First Sunday of Lent, the Church has the same Gospel---Jesus being tempted in the desert by Satan.  Here is the Son of God being approached by His exact opposite---evil itself.  And Jesus triumphs over the devil, who finds out he is no match for the Word made flesh.  And we see this in the 3 temptations.

The FIRST temptation is to have Jesus change the stones into loaves of bread.  Satan appealing to Jesus’ hunger after fasting for 40 days in the desert.  BUT, Jesus says NO!

The SECOND temptation is to have Jesus throw Himself down from the top of the temple.  Satan appealing to Jesus’ curiosity if the Father in heaven would save Him.  BUT, Jesus says NO!

The THIRD temptation is to have Jesus be given all the kingdoms of the earth if He would worship Satan.  Satan appealing to the materialistic nature of humanity.  BUT, Jesus says NO!

What about us and our response to each temptation? 

Do we say NO to things of pleasure in our life that we know are wrong?

Do we say NO to asking God to prove Himself?

Do we say NO to worshiping evil or other things before God Himself?

May we always respond NO to the devil.  And YES to our Lord Jesus.  ALWAYS!

Your fellow Lenten traveler,

Father Joe

 

 

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