Lead us not into temptation
Many of us are very familiar with the Gospel story on this First Sunday of Lent. Jesus — physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted from forty days of prayer and fasting in the desert — remains steadfast in the face of three progressively enticing temptations. Would we, under the same circumstances, be able to do the same? Or would Satan have us at the word “bread”? I know in my own life I frequently give in to far lesser temptations than power, wealth … or even bread!
Lent reminds us of our continuous need to resist the temptation to sin. Even when we stop ourselves from saying an unkind word about another person or refrain from “doomscrolling” in favor of more productive activities, we can never be complacent about our efforts. We know that the next temptation is right around the corner. We need to stay vigilant, to be ready.
This may sound obvious, but one way to beat the urge to sin is to spend more time in prayer. It is harder to sin when we are spending quality time with God, inviting Him into the struggles of our day or quieting our hearts to listen to His counsel. Saying the rosary, meditating, listening to a Catholic podcast or volunteering to help others are great ways to avoid sin and strengthen our will against temptations yet to come.
Another strategy for resisting the temptation to sin is simply to slow down. Much of our irritability comes from our belief that we must do it all and do it all NOW. How many times over the past week have we told another person we “don’t have time” or are “too busy” for whatever it is they are asking of us?
What are the activities that occupy our time? I bet if we made a list, we’d discover quite a few things that don’t deserve the priority level they hold in our lives. Slowing down, doing things with intention and purpose and remaining firmly in the present moment produces a sense of calm. When we are at peace, we are less likely to succumb to the temptation to sin.
May our Lenten journey lead us not into temptation, but into a closer relationship with Jesus as we strive to become the best versions of ourselves!”
Rachel Hrbolich is a wife, mom, and Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown (OH).