When we are tempted, we shall also make use of these and remember these three important things. We have a three-fold enemy: the world, the devil, and the flesh. God also gave us three pillars of Lent to counter these: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. The first response of Jesus to temptations signify that we shall not be too preoccupied with what to eat, what to wear, or any of the material things in the world. We do not live on bread alone - the bread represents our bodily needs. We live also through the Word of God. If we have everything we need or anything we want in the world, but lack holiness, we will surely lose our souls. What is the sense of having all we would like in the world when we will experience eternal death afterward? But by lessening our concerns for food and other bodily needs or desires, we can cleanse our souls and give more time for prayer and charity.

Second, when we pray, we shall put our complete trust in Him. Challenging God means that we lack faith in Him and that we need proof from Him. However, He already has this one proof of it all which covers everything – the Cross. It signifies the greatest love we could ever receive in our life, and it is from God when He sacrificed Himself for us unto death.

Lastly, we know that there are temptations everywhere. Men are easily blinded by much power, money, fame, or prestige. However, the world's lifestyle contradicts the life of a true and faithful Christian concerned only with doing good to others. We will either hate to buy towards enriching ourselves in excessive ways or we’d hate to give. We must only choose one, and in deciding, may we choose God and His ways - He who loves us despite our sinfulness from the very beginning.

Amen. +

Marga de Jesus | OLA Social Communications