Sunday, February 22

First Sunday of Lent

In Jesus We Shall Triumph

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1

Jesus did not go into the desert primarily for a prayerful retreat. Rather, the Scriptures say he was “led by the Spirit…to be tempted by the devil.” To begin his ministry Jesus must face Satan directly and endure his taunts and temptations and emerge triumphant.

Some people become upset when they suffer temptations and assaults of the Evil One. They may wonder: “What am I doing wrong?” Jesus’ life makes it clear that enduring the devil’s temptations is a part of every Christian life. Moreover, just as Jesus triumphed, in him so shall we.

But it will not always be easy or one-and-done. Throughout his ministry Jesus was the object of attacks by evil forces. The spiritual battle continues until the end.

Jesus give me the strength and the wisdom to overcome the assaults of the devil, just as you did. May I do so until the end so that I might reign with you.

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti

Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions