Six aspects of Temptation

Today’s readings on this first Sunday of Lent talk about six different aspects of temptation:

In the first reading, the object of temptation is perceived as

• good for food,
  
  (So too our physical needs can get out of control and tempt us – “If it feels good, do it”)

• pleasing to the eyes,
  
  (So too we may confuse morality with aesthetics – “If it looks good, do it”)

• and desirable for gaining wisdom
  
  (So too we may rationalize our way to do anything – “If I think it, it must be right”)

But the most insidious temptations are yet to come...

In the Gospel, our Lord is tempted

• To do miracles
  
  (So too we may be too focused on getting glorious things from faith – “If I have glorious experiences, I have no problems”)

• To step out on faith - literally
  
  (So too we may be lazy and reckless in our earthly and spiritual lives – “If God loves me, I can do anything I feel like… or nothing at all!”)

• To gain the whole world
  
  (So too we may limit our vision to this world only or let the ends justify the means – “If it means good things for the world, it must be okay.”)
  

None of these things (physical needs, aesthetics, wisdom, miracles, confidence, or the good of the world) are necessarily bad by themselves - indeed, they can be very good things - but ultimately none of them are good unless they are in accord with the will of God.

If they are not in accord with the will of God, anything good in them will ultimately fail and then what will we be left with?

Resisting temptation is ultimately a matter of doing the right things for the right reasons: seeking always and everywhere to do only the will of God, for it is only in and through God’s will that we can enjoy the Good that lasts forever.