Be Grounded in the Word of God

02-26-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

The readings of today present us with a picture of the temptations of Adam and Eve and the temptations of Jesus. The first reading narrates the fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve and how their fall brought sin and death to the world. St. Paul says in the second reading, sin, death entered into the world through the sin and fall of one man. We need to know what makes sin possible and how to overcome the temptation of falling into sin. Sin consists of a free act by which one cuts herself/himself from God. Adam and Eve were free to make their choices and they did it against the will of God. One of the things that leads us into sin is the choices we make.

Jesus teaches us how to overcome temptation that leads us to sin in His own temptation. Jesus’ first strategy is firmness in standing on good resolution or decision. Confronted with any temptation there should be no room for indecision. In every temptation we are called to make a personal decision either for God or against Him.

There should be absolutely no room for any dialogue. The fall of Adam and Eve started when they began to dialogue with the devil, listening to him and even encouraging him to speak. The devil takes hold of us by our weak sides. But he always packages his attacks well, he is a master of appearance. He pretends that he has something good to offer us, for only in this way can he succeed in luring us. Jesus on the other hand conceded the devil neither minimal space nor confidence to speak. He does not let anything dissuade Him from God.

The second strategy which Jesus wishes that we imbibe is to refer to the word of God. And to use it to throw light to our situation. Adam and Eve started losing the battle when they began doubting what God had told them. Adam and Eve fell because they failed to listen to the word of God. We have to be grounded in the word of God if we are to overcome the devil. The devil keeps on making suggestions to us that would make us disobey God. The Church encourages us to show great familiarity with the word of God.

The next strategy to win over the devil and his temptation is prayer and mortification. We need to go into our own desert because it is there that we encounter God and become truthful to our identity as children of God. Our desert can be any private moment in a private place, stripped of all distraction of the world.

Wishing you all a blessed Lenten season.

Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.