The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. – Mark 1:12
Lent has arrived. We began our journey on Ash Wednesday, and we continue it today in the desert with Christ. The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert to fast and be tempted. We go out with Him into the desert of Lent, fasting, praying, and giving alms. We also will be tempted to sin, like Christ. Temptations are interesting. We ask God not to “lead us into temptation” in the Our Father. But temptations in themselves are not sins. They may lead to sin if we allow them to. However, when we resist temptations, they can make us stronger.
St. Philip Neri said, “Do not grieve over the temptations you suffer. When the Lord intends to bestow a particular virtue on us, He often permits us first to be tempted by the opposite vice. Therefore, look upon every temptation as an invitation to grow in a particular virtue and a promise by God that you will be successful, if only you stand fast.” Interesting, right? If you want to grow in virtue, you probably will have to overcome the temptations associated with the opposite vice. If you want to grow in humility, you may experience situations where you notice yourself being tempted to pride. If you want to grow in purity, you will have to overcome bodily temptations.
This week, consider making a plan for how you will resist temptation in ways that help you grow in virtue. The first step is noticing what your temptations are and when and where they often occur. Once you have identified the temptation, change your behaviors around that temptation, such as avoiding the near occasion of that temptation, if possible. If that is not possible (maybe your temptation happens frequently at work), lay out your course of action for confronting your temptation.
Perhaps you can repeat a short prayer when you are tempted: “Holy Spirit, please send me Your fortitude so I can resist this.” Bible verses are great for this: “Do not let my heart incline to evil, to perform deeds in wickedness” (Psalms 141:4). Notice what virtues the Lord is cultivating in your life as you seek to resist temptation.
Lord Jesus, protect me when I am tempted to sin. Help me grow in virtue this Lent.