The Gospel passage describes Jesus being tempted by the devil during his 40 days in the desert. The devil tempts Jesus three times: first by asking him to turn stones into bread; second by challenging him to jump from the temple; and third by offering him rule over all the kingdoms of the world if he worships the devil. Each time Jesus responds by quoting scripture to reject the temptation. After the third temptation, the devil leaves Jesus and angels come to minister to him.
Dear sisters and brothers,
It is very easy to fall into temptations if we are craving for many things and if we have problems with our identity.
Fr. Cielo
Dear sisters and brothers,
It is very easy to fall into temptations if we are craving for many things and if we have problems with our identity.
Fr. Cielo
Dear sisters and brothers,
Do you trust your God? Accumulating... and accumulating and setting aside so many things for the far distant future and yet you have no joy is a sign of distrust.
Fr. Cielo
A study on “The Lord’s Prayer” by Dr Jose PouloseDr. Jose Poulose
Dr. Poulose also has Research Publications: where he shared his competences and knowledge “Tricks of the trade with difficult pace maker access”, and “The lack of diagnostic value of the indium scan in acute bacterial endocarditis
Dear brothers and sisters,
We prepare for the Lord's coming by being converted. We can't engage in the New Evangelization without conversion.
Fr. Cielo
1st Sun of Lent A powerpoint presentation of readings a la Bible Study was prepared for us by an exegete, Rev. Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM.
Brought to you by:
AMBA
BIG
Dear sisters and brothers,
Do you trust your God? Accumulating... and accumulating and setting aside so many things for the far distant future and yet you have no joy is a sign of distrust.
Fr. Cielo
A study on “The Lord’s Prayer” by Dr Jose PouloseDr. Jose Poulose
Dr. Poulose also has Research Publications: where he shared his competences and knowledge “Tricks of the trade with difficult pace maker access”, and “The lack of diagnostic value of the indium scan in acute bacterial endocarditis
Dear brothers and sisters,
We prepare for the Lord's coming by being converted. We can't engage in the New Evangelization without conversion.
Fr. Cielo
1st Sun of Lent A powerpoint presentation of readings a la Bible Study was prepared for us by an exegete, Rev. Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM.
Brought to you by:
AMBA
BIG
Live differently during Lent and remember Christ's sacrifice in small ways every day with 46 tips to make Lent holy. Sometimes the best Lenten gifts are the actions we take in response to what we believe. Please share these tips with your friends and family.
Our little Church is using a Chronological Bible Reading Schedule by Skip Andrews. It can be found here: http://www.churchofchristduluthga.org/
Each Sunday a lesson is given from some of that week's reading. This lesson covers Jan 1-5.
In order to rightly divide the word of truth, we must understand the context of God's word, which to at least some extent, is impacted by history and timing. This Bible study delves into the dispensations of time, revealing God's relationship with mankind in each.
NOTE: This study document contains images and graphs that are either available for common use (without sale) or copied by permission. No copyright infringement intended.
THIS IS TALKING ABOUT THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL FROM THE INCEPTION OF GOD'S CREATION; AND THE SABBATH AT THE INCEPTION OF GOD'S CREATION WILL BE HIS END-TIME TEST FOR HUMANITY.
Dear brothers and sisters,
We are commissioned to communicate God's salvific message. If you are quiet about God's Word, think again your Christian vocation, because you are not doing well.
Fr. Cielo
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
Discover various methods for clearing negative entities from your space and spirit, including energy clearing techniques, spiritual rituals, and professional assistance. Gain practical knowledge on how to implement these techniques to restore peace and harmony. For more information visit here: https://www.reikihealingdistance.com/negative-entity-removal/
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
Vertical Church Kyiv Report 2022-2023: Church at war
1st Lent A
1. Welcome to our Bible
Study
9 March 201
1st Sunday of Lent A
In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy
In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM
2. 1st reading: Genesis 2,7-9; 3,1-7
The focus is on the temptation.
Creation of Man / Setting
2,7 The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew
into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being. 8
Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and he placed
there the man whom he had formed. 9 Out of the ground the LORD God
made various trees grow that were delightful to look at and good for food,
with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the
knowledge of good and bad.
Temptation
3,1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the animals that the
LORD God had made. The serpent asked the woman, "Did God really tell
you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?" 2 The woman
answered the serpent: "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden;
3 it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God
said, 'You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.'" 4 But the serpent
said to the woman: "You certainly will not die! 5 No, God knows well that
the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like
gods who know what is good and what is bad." 6 The woman saw that
the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining
wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some
to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both
of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked; so they
sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
3. 1 reading: Genesis 2,7-9; 3,1-7
st
Creation / Setting
2,7 The LORD God
formed man out of the
clay of the ground and
blew into his nostrils the
breath of life, and so man
became a living being. 8
Then the LORD God
planted a garden in
Eden, in the east, and he
placed there the man
whom he had formed. 9
Out of the ground the
LORD God made various
trees grow that were
delightful to look at and
good for food, with the
tree of life in the middle
of the garden and the
tree of the knowledge of
good and bad.
Commentary
The text comes from the second story of
creation (2,4b--3,24).
The first creation story (1,1-2,4a)
God creates man out of clay and his
breath. v.7
God also creates a garden and settles
the man there.v.8
God again creates. This time he creates
trees. v.9
Delightful to see
Good for food
There are two trees of special interest:
Tree of life
Tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
4. Temptation
3,1 Now the serpent was the
most cunning of all the animals
that the LORD God had made.
The serpent asked the woman,
"Did God really tell you not to eat
from any of the trees in the
garden?" 2 The woman
answered the serpent: "We may
eat of the fruit of the trees in the
garden; 3 it is only about the fruit
of the tree in the middle of the
garden that God said, 'You shall
not eat it or even touch it, lest you
die.'" 4 But the serpent said to
the woman: "You certainly will not
die! 5 No, God knows well that
the moment you eat of it your
eyes will be opened and you will
be like gods who know what is
good and what is bad."
In 3,1 the author (Yahwist)
personifies the serpent. The author
makes him speak and talk to the
woman.
The serpent asks a seemingly
innocent question, but truth is, he
plays on the woman’s weakness (or
challenges God’s authority).
In vv.2-3, the woman entertains the
cunning serpent (snake) and this is
a big mistake.
In vv.4-5, the serpent again speaks
in a more convincing manner.
He subverts the threat of death.
He assures of the good effect
once she will eat of it.
Their eyes will be opened.
They will become like gods who
know everything (merismus: good
and bad)
5. The Fall
6 The woman saw that
the tree was good for
food, pleasing to the
eyes, and desirable for
gaining wisdom. So
she took some of its
fruit and ate it; and she
also gave some to her
husband, who was with
her, and he ate it. 7
Then the eyes of both
of them were opened,
and they realized that
they were naked; so
they sewed fig leaves
together and made
loincloths for
themselves.
V.6 reveals the woman’s inner craving
for three reasons:
In v.6b, the woman acts to satisfy her
desire.
Good for food
Pleasing to the eyes
Desirable for gaining wisdom
She took some of its fruit and ate it
She also gave some to her husband.
(She did extra.)
It is a violation of God’s command. (Gen
2,16-17)
V.7 mentions the unexpected result.
Yes, their eyes are opened, but they have
not attained wisdom.
Instead, they see their nakedness
(vulnerability).
They are ashamed.
They saw fig leaves and make loincloths
to cover their bodies.
They do not become like gods.
6. Reflections on the 1 reading
st
We must know our limits.
We must be wise enough on whom to listen to.
We must discern where the voice, inducing us to
do something, is coming from:
If we want to know everything, to taste
everything, to always satisfy our appetites, if we
want to be like the gods…forget it.
From God or from our subliminal needs?
We are courting disaster.
We are playing with fire.
Let’s learn from the mistake of Adam and Eve.
7. Resp. Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17
R. (cf. 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
5 For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
6 “Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.”
12 A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
13 Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
16 Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
17 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
8. Resp. Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17
R. (cf. 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for
we have sinned.
3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your
goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion
wipe out my offense.
4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
5 For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
6 “Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight.”
12 A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
13 Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
16 Give me back the joy of your
salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
17 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your
praise.
Commentary
The psalm is full of parallelisms.
A parallelism is a style of saying the
same thing in different ways (different
vocabularies).
In v.3, the psalmist, a repentant sinner
(supposedly David), asks God for mercy
and compassion. (Prayer for Mercy)
In vv.3b-4, three times the psalmist asks
God to show his mercy by
Wiping out his offense
Washing from his guilt
Cleansing of his sin
In v.5, the psalmist admits his offense/
sin. (Admission of Guilt)
In v.6, the psalmist admits that his sin is
directed against God and flagrantly he
has done evil even in front of God.
In v.12, the psalmist prays for cleansing
(=forgiving) and spirit of renewal.
In v.13, the psalmist asks not to be cast
out from God’s fold.
V.16 implies that that inner joy returns
when there is forgiveness.
V.17 is a prayer to help us pray. It is
God who makes us pray.
9. Reflections on the Psalm
We must learn how to repent from our sins.
We repent in the context of prayer.
When repenting, we admit our guilt, our sins, our
violations and transgressions.
When repenting, we ask for mercy, understanding,
forgiveness, and love
When we are forgiven, we experience serenity and joy in
our heart. We feel God’s spirit working in us again.
If you are always justifying yourself by saying “I did not do
anything wrong, they are wrong,” you will never repent
and you will keep repeating the same mistakes.
Have you ever repented? Have you ever examined your
conscience?
Have you ever realized you offended anyone by your
careless speech, action (body language, foul gestures)?
10. 2 reading: Romans 5,12.17-19
nd
The coming of sin and death
12 Through one man sin entered the world, and through
sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as
all sinned.
Reign of life through Jesus
17 For if, by the transgression of one, death came to reign
through that one, how much more will those who receive
the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification
come to reign in life through the one person Jesus Christ.
18 In conclusion, just as through one transgression
condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous
act acquittal and life came to all. 19 For just as through
the disobedience of one man the many were made
sinners, so through the obedience of one the many will be
made righteous.
The focus is on sin and grace.
11. 2nd reading: Romans 5,12.17-19
Commentary
The coming of sin and death
The reading recalls the fall of Adam
12 Through one man sin entered
the world, and through sin, death,
(and Eve) in Genesis.
and thus death came to all men,
It is a theological reflection on the first
inasmuch as all sinned.
reading.
Reign of life through Jesus
The first parents fall into sin. The
17 For if, by the transgression of
one, death came to reign through
consequence is death.
that one, how much more will
V.12 clarifies that all men and women
those who receive the abundance
die, because they too commit sin.
of grace and of the gift of
justification come to reign in life
Their death is not attributed solely to
through the one person Jesus
the first parents.
Christ.
V.17 speaks of the redemption of
18 In conclusion, just as through
humankind.
one transgression condemnation
came upon all, so through one
Picking up the sin of one man as the
righteous act acquittal and life
cause of death, we come back to life
came to all. 19 For just as
through the merit of one man also,
through the disobedience of one
man the many were made sinners,
Jesus Christ.
so through the obedience of one
Vv.18-19 further develop the idea of
the many will be made righteous.
v.17.
12. Reflections on the 2 reading
nd
Jesus dismantles sin and its consequence - death.
Christ repairs (undo) the damage done by the sin of our
first parents.
How does he do it?
Through obedience to God’s law.
By listening to the voice of the Father.
We are saved from sin and death, by the merits of Jesus
Christ.
It is a big favor from God that our sin and guilt are
removed from us.
Let us live according to the taste of Christ, not the taste
of Adam and Eve.
13. Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11
A simple outline!
Introduction
1 At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2
He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.
Entrance of the Devil: 1 st temptation
3 The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that
these stones become loaves of bread." 4 He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not
live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'"
2 nd temptation
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the
temple, 6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is
written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will
support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, "Again it
is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'"
rd
3 temptation
8 Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms
of the world in their magnificence, 9 and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if
you will prostrate yourself and worship me." 10 At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away,
Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you
serve.'"
Exit of the devil
11 Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
The focus is on the temptations of Jesus.
14. Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11
Introduction
1 At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the
desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted for
forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was
hungry.
Entrance of the Devil: 1 st temptation
3 The tempter approached and said to him, "If you
are the Son of God, command that these stones
become loaves of bread." 4 He said in reply, "It is
written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by
every word that comes forth from the mouth of
God.'"
nd
2 temptation
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and
made him stand on the parapet of the temple, 6
and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw
yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command
his angels concerning you and 'with their hands
they will support you, lest you dash your foot
against a stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, "Again it
is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to
the test.'"
rd
3 temptation
8 Then the devil took him up to a very high
mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the
world in their magnificence, 9 and he said to him,
"All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate
yourself and worship me." 10 At this, Jesus said
to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord,
your God, shall you worship and him alone shall
you serve.'"
Exit of the devil
11 Then the devil left him and, behold, angels
came and ministered to him.
Commentary
In vv.1-2, we are told that Jesus is led by
the Spirit (Holy Spirit), into the desert
(arid place, without food, in contrast to
the Garden), to be tempted (tested) by
the devil (evil one).
He fasted (not eaten anything or no full
meals) for 40 days and nights
(symbolizing the Israelites’ wandering in
the desert for 40 years).
Jesus gets hungry afterwards.
Temptations come when there is hunger.
Why does Matthew place the temptations
here, not within the ministry of Jesus?
According to some interpreters, the
temptations are placed right before his
ministry to tell us his method of
evangelization.
Will he gain people to God by satisfying
the craving and appetite for worldly
values (money, power and prestige)?
15. Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11
Introduction
1 At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the
desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted for
forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was
hungry.
Entrance of the Devil: 1 st temptation
3 The tempter approached and said to him, "If you
are the Son of God, command that these stones
become loaves of bread." 4 He said in reply, "It is
written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by
every word that comes forth from the mouth of
God.'"
nd
2 temptation
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and
made him stand on the parapet of the temple, 6
and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw
yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command
his angels concerning you and 'with their hands
they will support you, lest you dash your foot
against a stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, "Again it
is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to
the test.'"
rd
3 temptation
8 Then the devil took him up to a very high
mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the
world in their magnificence, 9 and he said to him,
"All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate
yourself and worship me." 10 At this, Jesus said
to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord,
your God, shall you worship and him alone shall
you serve.'"
Exit of the devil
11 Then the devil left him and, behold, angels
came and ministered to him.
In v.3, the devil is identified as the tempter.
The tempter is subtle. He starts by saying,
“If you are the son of God…”
Wow, but did not God tell us during Jesus’
baptism that he is the son of God?
And here comes the devil to confuse him
and make him doubt that he is. The devil
puts him into a crisis (identity crisis).
The test is a matter of whom to listen to:
God or the devil.
In v. 3 the devil says: command these
stones to become bread.
Jesus does not listen. He listens to God
speaking through the scriptures: “One
does not live by bread alone…” v.4 (Dt
8,3).
This is the response of God when the
Israelites complain there is no food in the
desert.
Hunger should dispose this people to listen
to the Word of God.
16. Gospel reading: Matthew 4,1-11
Introduction
1 At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the
desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted for
forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was
hungry.
Entrance of the Devil: 1 st temptation
3 The tempter approached and said to him, "If you
are the Son of God, command that these stones
become loaves of bread." 4 He said in reply, "It is
written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by
every word that comes forth from the mouth of
God.'"
nd
2 temptation
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and
made him stand on the parapet of the temple, 6
and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw
yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command
his angels concerning you and 'with their hands
they will support you, lest you dash your foot
against a stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, "Again it
is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to
the test.'"
rd
3 temptation
8 Then the devil took him up to a very high
mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the
world in their magnificence, 9 and he said to him,
"All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate
yourself and worship me." 10 At this, Jesus said
to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord,
your God, shall you worship and him alone shall
you serve.'"
Exit of the devil
11 Then the devil left him and, behold, angels
came and ministered to him.
In vv.5-6, the devil commands:
“throw yourself…” he also quotes the
bible (Ps 91,12). How dare him! He
shamelessly quotes the bible as if he
is listening to God.
Jesus does not listen. He listens to
God speaking through the scriptures:
You shall not put the Lord to the
test.” v.7 (Dt 6,13)
In vv.8-9, the devil says, “I will give
you these kingdoms, if you worship
me…”
Jesus does not listen. He listens to
God speaking through the scriptures:
You shall worship the Lord your
God…” v.10
V.11 states the defeat of the devil.
And come the angels who take care
of him.
17. For your further observation
1st temptation
2nd temptation
If you are the son of God
If you are the son of God
Desert
Holy City = Jerusalem High mountains
No man’s land
Place of worship (many
people)
Vantage point
Stone into bread
(wealth)
Throw yourself
down (prestige)
Worship me (devil)
(power)
(prioritize
yourself, your
needs)
Satisfy your craving for
material things. You need
them for your campaign.
Satisfy your craving to be
popular (vanity). You
need a name for people
to follow you.
Voice of
God
Not by bread, but
word…
Do not tempt the
Lord…
You need God’s Word, not
just material food, to live
with dignity as children of
Don’t presume God will
save you when you
endanger yourself by
Location
Voice of
the Devil
(alone)
3rd temptation
(few people)
Satisfy your craving
for power. You can’t
make people follow
you if you don’t
control the army.
Worship God
alone…
Don’t betray God to
pursue your personal
ambition.
18.
Jesus does not fall into any of the traps of the
devil. It is very tempting, very convenient, but
salvation is not cheaply attained.
Following any of them, to prove himself, will spell
disaster to his true identity as the Son of God
and his mission to spread God’s reign.
Jesus wants to teach us a new paradigm:
Listening to the voice of God always.
Never listening to the devil and compromise with it.
19. Reflections on the gospel reading
Jesus is the model on how to handle temptations.
Like Jesus, first of all, we must never doubt our identity
as children of God.
As such, we must act and decide accordingly.
We must do our mission by following God’s way, not the
devil’s way.
We must stand guard against entertaining possibilities of
a compromise because of a nice promise that comes
from an enticing intruder.
Once we compromise, give an inch to what contradicts
God, we spell our downfall.
20. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm
The first reading talks about Adam and Eve’s fall into
temptation.
The psalm is a prayer for mercy, for those who have
fallen into temptation.
The second reading talks about the triumph of Jesus
over sin and death. He does not fall into temptation.
The gospel reading demonstrates how Jesus
successfully handles the temptations.
21. How to develop your homily / sharing
Temptations are here to stay.
As long as we desire a lot of things, we are
prone to be tempted.
And we have more chances of falling into sin.
The “devil” triggers what is inside us (our inordinate
desires and thoughts).
22.
The first reading demonstrates the innate desire
of human beings to know and possess
everything (pakialamero, gustong malaman ang lahat; sakim,
gustong angkinin lahat, without limits).
In the process, we lose our innocence and
vitality.
We expose our vulnerability.
We discover that we are not that smart.
We feel ashamed of ourselves.
What we discover put us into trouble.
23.
The gospel reading demonstrates how Jesus
Christ, who is disinterested in wealth, prestige and
power and all those garbage, successfully fights
against the seductions of the devil.
His only desire is to do the will of God. He listens
to the voice of God.
The voice of God is to establish God’s reign by:
Listening to God’s Word, not by satisfying
appetites
Living simply and ordinarily, not by trying to
impress
Being focused to the one true God, not to
anything bizarre
24.
If we are not formed by the Word of God,
we easily give in to any temptation.
We have no qualms about committing
injustices, crimes, blunders and sin.
The voice of God (God’s Word) serves as
a reminder for us not to give in to what is
evil.
25.
The second reading reflects on the downfall (sin)
of the first parents and ours (1st reading) and the
victory of Christ Jesus over the devil (gospel).
Sin leads us to death; Christ brings us back to
life.
Christ overcomes sin, because he never listens
to the devil, nor to himself.
Besides, he has no worldly desires. He too
overcomes death.
26.
How do we handle the temptations
To grab power?
To steal other’s money?
To be showy and ostentatious?
To be unfaithful to our loved ones because somebody else is
seducing us?
To consume what is more than necessary?
To buy what we don’t need?
To squander our hard earned money?
To use our influence to get what we want?
How do we handle temptations when there is no choice?
Jesus’ answer is never compromise with the devil (no to “kapit sa
patalim”)
We should not desire anything else but God.
We take hold of our identity as children of God.
We should decide die as children of God, in God’s loving hands,
not to die in disrepute.
27.
The eucharist is the reward for those who resist
temptations.
It is the sacrament that celebrates our victory over evil.
The eucharist strengthens us in our fight against
temptations.
Frequency to the eucharist assures us of God’s continued
support to our journey to holiness and fullness of life.
28. Our Context of Sin and Grace
Giant billboards
Advertisements
Indecent suggestions
Compulsive buying, credit
cards
Unlimited access to
information
“The public has the right
to know everything.” (but
the public is not god.)
Eavesdropping,
snooping, spying
Stealing of secrets
Greed (money, property,
power)
Aware of one’s limitations
Listens to the voice of
God (God’s Word)
In control of oneself (not
easily seduced)
Pure of heart
Has simple needs
Tightly clings to God
Uncompromising in terms
of spiritual and moral
issues
Nourished by God’s Word