Temptation is real. The devil comes to tempt us to destroy us, including our relationships.   The devil wants our lives to be miserable and to take us away from God. He penetrates our lives in any situation to crush us.

The story of Jesus’ temptation tells us that the devil could use our vulnerability to turn us away from God.  The devil knew where Jesus was and his situation. Jesus was isolated and hungry. He had not eaten for 40 days.  The devil also knew what Jesus could do.  He knew Jesus could change stones to bread. He could do extraordinary things to prove his power. He wanted to put Jesus into a trap so Jesus would fall into a sin of self-centeredness and pride.  Jesus is a human being like us. Had Jesus succumbed to temptation, the plan of salvation would have been shattered.

The devil can also tempt us when we are vulnerable and are at a low point in life. When in great need or hardship, the devil may offer lucrative solutions. These solutions can bait us to do something contrary to our values. For instance, when we are in dire financial need, the devil may tempt us to cheat or steal. He may lure us to find an easy solution to our problem. When we have misunderstandings with our loved ones, we may feel troubled. During these times, the devil will tempt us to drink to numb our feelings. When we are lonely and isolated, the devil will tempt us to look for validation and comfort. He may tempt us to seek these in sinful ways to fill the void of an empty heart.

Jesus gives us a model to follow when the devil tempts us.  He cites the Scripture and finds comfort in God’s Words. Jesus also did not engage with the devil.

Temptation reminds us that the enemy also has power.  If something leads us to sin, by all means, avoid it. Turn around. Run away! Temptation is like an angry dog tied to a tree.  You do not want to be closer to the furious dog. Otherwise, it will bite you.

An important example of perseverance in today’s Gospel is Jesus’s refusal to give in to temptation. He held on and kept trusting and believing during testing. He was steadfast under pressure in the face of trials. Jesus held on until the devil departs and angels minister to him.

Let us hold on to a solid ground when we face temptation. We must keep praying and repeating the Words of Jesus, even when our prayers seem unheard.  We need to hold on to our faith. We must believe that God is with us. This is true even when it seems that God is absent. We must keep doing our best and do the right things even when things seem to fall apart.

Being in a state of temptation is like going to a war.  We are the warriors, and we aim to win the battle. When we succumb to temptation, we become losers—and as losers, we feel defeated, sad, remorseful, etc.  If we resist temptation, we become winners. You know how it feels to be a winner. There’s a great sense of success, joy, fulfillment, and accomplishment. Our faith is strengthened.

Let our vulnerability remind us to turn to God and seek a relationship with Him.  Let us call on God and ask for His grace in times of temptation.  His loving grace is much more powerful than that of the devil. Let us persist, persevere, and hold on.  Like what happened to Jesus, the angels will minister to us. Ultimately, we will return to a place of comfort and peace.