If You Are
First Sunday of Lent (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 4:1-13 - Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, One does not live on bread alone.” Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”
Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and:With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Jesus…was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Some things should be mentioned about temptation. First, we’ll talk about Jesus’ temptation. Second, we’ll talk about avoiding temptation. What does the Gospel mean by saying that Jesus is “tempted”? Jesus is not tempted in the sense that he really desires the devil’s offers, debates the decision back and forth, and finally chooses rightly. Certainly, Jesus does see that the things offered to Him are good: bread, kingdoms, the ministry of angels—but they don’t entice Him.
We will have temptations until we die. They appeal to us (more than they appealed to Christ), because we are not divine, and we are affected greatly by sin. Still, Jesus gives a great example of how to deal with them. First, Jesus deals with them quickly. It is much easier for us to resist a sin right at the beginning than it is after we have already entertained the thought of it or have started down its path. Second, Jesus knows the Scripture and the doctrines of the faith enough to combat tests and lies. Immorality causes many sins, but so does ignorance. Third, Jesus knows that just because the things offered to Him are good does not mean they are good for Him. We must understand that good things (money, power, pleasure, honor, etc.), at times, are very bad for us. In prayer, consider what frequently tempts us and how we can reject temptations quickly.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
