Meditation of the day: 40 days in the desert

Today's Gospel of Mark presents us with a short version of the temptation of Jesus in the desert. Matthew and Luke provide many other details, such as the triple temptation of Jesus by satan. But Mark simply states that Jesus was led into the wilderness for forty days and was tempted. “The Spirit cast Jesus out into the wilderness and remained in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among the wild beasts and the angels served him ”. Mark 1: 12–13

What is interesting to note is that it was "The Spirit" who pushed Jesus into the desert. Jesus did not go there against his will; He went there freely according to the will of the Father and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because the Spirit would lead Jesus into the wilderness for this time of fasting, prayer and temptation?

First of all, this time of temptation took place immediately after Jesus was baptized by John. And although Jesus himself did not need that baptism spiritually, these two series of events teach us a lot. The truth is that when we choose to follow Christ and experience our baptism, we receive new strength to fight evil. Grace is there. As a new creation in Christ, you have all the grace you need to overcome evil, sin and temptation. Jesus, therefore, gave us an example to teach us this truth. He was baptized and then led into the wilderness to face the evil one so as to tell us that we too can overcome him and his evil lies. While Jesus was in the wilderness enduring these temptations, "the angels ministered to him." The same goes for us. Our Lord does not leave us alone in the midst of our daily temptations. Rather, he always sends his angels to serve us and help us defeat this vile enemy.

What's your biggest temptation in life? Maybe you struggle with the habit of sin that you fail from time to time. Maybe it's a temptation of the flesh, or a struggle with anger, hypocrisy, dishonesty, or something else. Whatever your temptation, know that you have everything you need to overcome it thanks to the grace that was given to you by your Baptism, strengthened by your Confirmation and regularly nourished by your participation in the Most Holy Eucharist. Reflect today on whatever your temptations are. See the Person of Christ facing those temptations with you and in you. Know that his strength is given to you if you believe in him with unwavering trust.

Prayer: My tempted Lord, you have allowed yourself to endure the humiliation of being tempted by satan himself. You did this to show me and all of your children that we can overcome our temptations through you and with your strength. Help me, dear Lord, to turn to You daily with my struggles so that you can be victorious in me. Jesus I believe in you.