Sometimes we can be tempted to believe a lie when it begins with the truth. Joseph Nolla, SJ, reflects on the tactics of the Devil in the temptation of Jesus. Based on the readings for Sunday, February 26, 2023.
Sometimes the Devil lies to us… by telling the truth.
I’m Joseph Nolla and this is my One Minute Reflection.
We all know what it’s like to sin. Sometimes we deliberately choose what we know is wrong, but other times it feels like we’ve been tricked into sinning. And how does the Devil often try to trick us? By setting us up with facts to make us fall for a lie.
We see this in Jesus’ temptation in the desert. The Devil mentions Jesus as Son of God. True. The Devil quotes the Scripture saying that God will protect Jesus. True. Then the Devil says Jesus should throw himself off the temple. And that’s the lie.
It’s the same with us. For example, the Devil might say, “You were treated unfairly.” True. “You deserve justice.” True. “Now take revenge.” Lie. And the facts the Devil told us become the excuses we use to justify sinning. Let’s remember this during Lent. If we know the tactics of the enemy, we can be much stronger in resisting temptation.
