St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Overcoming Temptation with the Word of God

On this First Sunday of Lent, the Church invites us to walk with Jesus into the desert, where He fasted for forty days and was tempted by the devil. The Gospel from Luke (4:1-13) presents this powerful encounter between Jesus and Satan, teaching us how to overcome temptation through faith, humility, and the Word of God.

Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—a time for spiritual renewal. Jesus, before beginning His public ministry, spent forty days in the wilderness, preparing Himself through fasting and prayer. This reminds us that we, too, need to strengthen our spiritual lives, especially in times of trial.

The first temptation reminds us that our lives do not depend solely on material things. In a world that prioritizes wealth and comfort, we are called to hunger for God’s Word more than for earthly bread. Jesus teaches us that true satisfaction comes from trusting in God’s providence.

The second temptation highlights the danger of seeking power and success at the expense of our faith. Many people compromise their values to gain influence, but Jesus reminds us: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve” (Luke 4:8). Lent is a time to re-examine our priorities and ensure that God remains at the center of our lives.

In the third temptation, the devil tries to manipulate Jesus into testing God’s protection. How often do we try to control God’s will rather than trust in His plan? True faith means surrendering to God’s wisdom, even when we do not understand His ways.

Jesus overcame temptation through prayer, fasting, and reliance on Scripture. As we journey through Lent, let us embrace these spiritual practices to resist sin and grow in holiness.
May this Lenten season be a time of renewal, drawing us closer to Christ, who strengthens us in every trial. Amen.