Temptations are not always obvious. Sometimes we are tempted by what seems good. Tucker Redding, SJ, reflects on the temptation of Jesus in the desert. Based on the readings for Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Where is our focus?
Hi, my name is Tucker Redding and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke include similar versions of the Temptation in the Desert, but they put the temptations in a different order. In Luke, the final temptation is when the devil brings Jesus to the top of the temple and says, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.” For God will protect you.
For Luke, this is the biggest test. The other two are…well…tempting, but also kind of obvious. The final test is deceptive because it tempts Jesus to display his faith in God.
Sometimes temptations aren’t so obvious. We can even be tempted by acts that seem good and pious. The true test of a temptation is when it causes us to focus only on ourselves, rather than the love of God and neighbor.
Sometimes we have to ask: is this about me or the Greater Glory of God?
