Temptation

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Temptation

Desire   Enticement

Resist   Pray   Listen

Believe In The Gospel

Repent

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 1:15

After Jesus was tempted in the desert by Satan, He went to Galilee and spread the Good News. He told them, "Repent and believe in the Gospel."

Reflection

We all face a variety of temptations, just as Jesus did. We have our time in the desert when we are alone. Voices come to us to tell us how right we are. Other people are to blame. If only they would follow our advice, the world would be so much better!

The voices can tempt us to thirst for power over others or to belittle them. We can be tempted to turn our back on those who are in need.

Prayer and reflection can help us to put those temptations into perspective. We can listen to the voice of God and open our hearts and our lives to the example of Jesus.

Jesus comes to share Good News with us. We can repent from our lack of caring and embrace the Good News that we are loved.

Now is the time to live that Good News by looking around our communities and seeing what we can do to make them better. 

We will be tempted by that voice that says our little actions won't really make a difference. However, when we listen to the voice of Jesus in prayer, we will be led on another path. 

Our actions, which can seem to be so insignificant when we contemplate the huge problems we face, can deeply touch others and let each person know that she or he is deeply loved.

1. What are some of the temptations that you face?

2. Do you think that your little actions of caring and kindness can really make a difference?

3. Can you think of a time in your life when the kindness someone showed you made a difference in your life?

4. What do you think of when you contemplate Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)