1^st Sunday of Lent [C]

March 9, 2025

Luke 4:1-13

As we begin the season of Lent, we once again reflect on the story of Jesus being tested in the desert for forty days. However, St. Luke’s Gospel provides an interesting detail: it is the Spirit who led Jesus into the desert, a place where He had to fast and face the evil one. What does this mean?

By leading Jesus into the desert for forty days, the Spirit of God intended for Jesus to reenact an important event from the Old Testament—the Israelites’ wandering in the desert. Like the Israelites, Jesus also faced challenges and difficulties. The weather was harsh, with intense heat during the day and chilling cold at night. Food and water were scarce, and the desert was home to dangerous animals that threatened human life. Jesus relived the experience of the Israelites, enduring the same harsh conditions. But beyond that, the devil saw an opportunity to test Jesus, knowing that He was physically weak. This was the same evil spirit that tested the Israelites in the desert. St. Luke reveals the three temptations that Jesus faced: hunger (bodily pleasure), worldly wealth, and personal glory.

The Israelites in the desert faced the same three temptations. When they were hungry and thirsty, they grumbled against God, even blaming Him for delivering them from Egypt (Exo 16). When Moses was praying on the mountain, the Israelites demanded a new god, replacing the living God with a golden calf—something materially valuable and attractive, but ultimately lifeless (Exo 32). Some Israelites, filled with pride, sought glory for themselves. Aaron and Miriam tried to claim leadership over Moses (Num 12), while Korah and his followers attempted to usurp the position of high priest (Num 16). By entering the desert and reliving the events of the Exodus, Jesus became the new and perfect Israel. He was physically weak, tested, and tempted, but He did not fall. He even defeated Satan in their first spiritual battle.

The Gospel tells us that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, where He was “tempted” by the devil. Does this mean that it was the Spirit’s will to “tempt” Jesus? The Greek word used here is “πειράζειν” (peirazein), which can be translated as ‘to tempt,’ but also as ‘to test.’ These words are not synonymous, but they are closely related because a period of testing often includes the opportunity for temptation. Just like in school exams, we may feel the urge to cheat.

The Gospel teaches us that God, in His infinite wisdom, does not always shield us from difficult times but allows us to face the trials of life. These trials—such as hunger, financial problems, illness, and difficult relationships—are often used by evil spirits to tempt us to steal, cheat, be unfaithful, and blame God. However, we must remember that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit when He entered the desert. The only way to endure the trials of life and protect ourselves from temptation is by relying on the Holy Spirit. When we rely on ourselves, we will surely fail, but with God’s help, we will be victorious, just like Jesus.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Guide question:
What are our desert experiences? What trials do we need to face in life? What temptations do we often encounter? Do we rely on the Holy Spirit in these difficult times? How can we trust in the Lord more? What wisdom do we gain after enduring trials?