FAITHFUL TO JESUS IN TEMPTATIONS
Right from the start, the Christians of the first generation were interested in the «temptations» of Jesus. They didn’t want to forget the kind of conflicts and struggles that he had to overcome to keep himself faithful to God. It helped them to not lose sight of their sole task: to build a more human world by following Jesus’ steps.
The story is startling: in the «desert» you can hear God’s voice, but you can also feel the attraction of the dark forces that separate us from God. The «devil» tests Jesus, employing God’s Word and supporting himself in the psalms that were prayed in Israel: even in the interior of religion you can hide the temptation to distance ourselves from God.
In the first temptation Jesus resists the using of God to «change» stones into bread. The first thing a person needs is to eat, but «not just on bread does a person live». The desire to be human doesn’t end with just nourishing the body. We need much more.
Precisely in order to be freed from suffering, hunger, and the death of those who don’t have bread, we need to awaken the hunger for justice and love in the dehumanized world of those who are full.
In the second temptation, the devil suggests to him, from the top of the temple, that he seek God in security. He could live tranquil, «held up by their hands», and walk without stumbling or dangers of any type. Jesus reacts: «Don’t tempt the Lord your God».
It’s diabolic to organize religion as a system of beliefs and practices that give security. You don’t construct a more human world by each one seeking refuge in their own religion. It’s necessary to sometimes take on risky commitments, trusting in God as Jesus does.
The last scene is impressive. Jesus is looking at the world from a high mountain. At his feet are presented «all the kingdoms», with their conflicts, wars and injustices. There he wants to introduce the reign of God’s peace and justice. The devil on the other hand offers him power and glory if Jesus adores him.
Jesus’ reaction is immediate: «The Lord, your God, alone will you adore». The world doesn’t become human by the force of power. It’s not possible to impose power over others without serving the devil. Whoever follows Jesus by seeking power and glory lives «bending the knee» before the devil. They aren’t adoring the true God.
José Antonio Pagola
Translator: Fr. Jay VonHandorf
