Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous." (Rom. 5:19)

This is the First Sunday of Lent. Christ is tempted in the desert. He who did not know sin was made sin for us. He had no need to be tempted but rather endured it to teach and merit for us the grace to overcome. Eve in the first reading was seduced by the serpent. Eve entered a dialogue where Christ did not.

Pope Francis stated in The Our Father we ask God not to let us fall into temptation instead of lead us into temptation. We will never be tempted beyond our strength to endure. He who plays with fire gets burned. St. Padre Pio said that the evil one is like a ravenous dog on a chain. If we do not get near he can't harm us. Let us watch and pray as Christ exhorts.

Questions for Reflection:

• Am I firm in resisting temptations?
• Do I dialogue and entertain them?
• Am I aware that without prayer I won't have the defenses to resist?