The evil spirit always tries to make us think we are unworthy of our calling as children of God. Ty Wahlbrink, SJ reflects that the Christian should use the season of Lent to shore up their defenses against the tricks of the evil one. Based on the readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent.
You are a loved child of God. The Enemy wants you to forget that.
Hi, I’m Ty Wahlbrink, and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
When Jesus is tempted in the desert, the devil always starts with: “If you are the Son of God.” That’s no accident. At Jesus’ baptism just before, the heavens opened and a voice declared: “This is my Son.”
Temptation aims to debase our core identities.
The same is true for us. We are beloved children of God. The bad spirit works not by obvious evil, but by whispering lies: that we are unworthy or unlovable.
Lent is a time to strengthen our defenses against such lies. For some, giving up sweets may help practice resisting temptation. For others, daily gratitude may help name where God is already present.
However you mark this Lent, choose something that reinforces the truth. You are God’s beloved. Never forget that.