On Ash Wednesday, we acknowledged that we are creatures of dust. As blessed ashes marked our foreheads, we heard the words, “Remember, you are dust and unto dust you shall return.” And our response was “I will remember.”
Our first reading from Genesis reminds us again of the ashes we received on Ash Wednesday, “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.”
Even though the book of Genesis is written like a historical account, we must remember it is not the evening news, complete with live cameras and reporters recording events as they happen.
Genesis, along with the other 46 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament, is Inspired Scripture, concerned primarily with religious truth. These religious truths may include historical facts, but they are often conveyed through stories meant to reveal deeper meaning. We believe the Holy Spirit inspired the authors of Scripture to write what God wished to reveal, while allowing each author to use his or her own style, language and vocabulary.
As Catholics, we believe the account of creation and the fall of Adam and Eve teaches us that God created human life. God infused humanity with an immortal soul that distinguishes us from plants and animals. God gave us free will, even the freedom to turn away from our Creator.
No person was present to witness the creation or the fall of Adam and Eve. The inspired authors of Genesis told this story to communicate religious truth and to capture the moment when human life began and human freedom was first exercised.
When we listen to the story of Adam and Eve, we can rightly conclude that they made a poor decision. They had everything, yet instead of being satisfied, they gave in to temptation.
We can think of many politicians, athletes, and celebrities who seem to have it “made,” only to give in to temptation and do something foolish. They end up ruining careers and radically altering their lives.
Temptation is a reality of life, and it comes to each of us in different ways. We may be tempted by power, prestige or possessions. In one way or another, we all battle the forces of evil.
In today’s gospel, Jesus Himself is tempted by the devil. And the temptations are tailored to His identity and mission. The evil one tempts Jesus to use His divine gifts to serve Himself rather than others.
The first temptation challenges Jesus to prove He is the Son of God by turning stones into loaves of bread. Remember, He was hungry from fasting in the desert.
The second temptation again urges Him to prove His identity by throwing Himself off a cliff so angels would rescue Him.
The third temptation is the most blatant. Satan asks Jesus to worship him. Jesus responds clearly and decisively, “Get away, Satan! It is written: the Lord, your God, shall you worship and Him alone shall you serve.”
Jesus makes it clear that His mission is to love God and serve others, not to be served.
Temptations often come our way when we feel abandoned, angry, anxious or alone. When we feel abandoned, perhaps the greatest temptation arises, the temptation to despair and simply give up on God.
Think about the last time you were really angry. Were you tempted to hurt someone with your words or actions? Perhaps by lying, gossiping, damaging their reputation or refusing to forgive?
What about when you felt anxious? Were you tempted to drink too much, use drugs or gamble excessively?
Or when you felt lonely, were you tempted by adultery, fornication or pornography?
Temptations come to us according to our personalities, passions, likes and dislikes, abilities and interests. If we are enterprising, we may be tempted toward greed and selfishness. If we are passionate or compulsive, we may be tempted by immediate gratification. If we are intelligent and capable, we may be tempted by arrogance and self-importance.
Three things are important in dealing with temptation:
First: Temptations begin in the mind. If given the chance to germinate, they grow. The inner struggle is real. Sin occurs when we give in to temptation. Oscar Wilde once said, “The easiest way to get rid of a temptation is to give in to it.”
Second: Temptations move quickly from thought to choice, a choice between good and evil. We know right from wrong, yet we vacillate, hesitate and rationalize. We begin to make evil look good or harmless in the moment. Once we choose what is wrong, it becomes easier to repeat it. We begin to believe it doesn’t matter if we keep lying, cheating or stealing. But it does matter. Our choices shape our character and our personality.
Third: Temptations are not fought alone. God assures us of His grace to strengthen us. Turn to prayer quickly and sincerely. Do something concrete, even physically removing yourself from the person, place or situation causing the temptations. Temptations pass, and good habits form when we resist them.
Several weeks ago, one of our seminarians came to visit me. After some conversation, he admitted that he was considering leaving the seminary because of the vow of celibacy. He said, “I thought the seminary would free me from the fantasies and lustful thoughts I experience, but I am still tempted.”
I gave him the same advice my spiritual director once gave me when I expressed similar doubts: “You will struggle with those temptations your entire life, whether you are a priest or not. You are human. There is no sin in being tempted. God will always give you the grace to overcome temptation, but you must cooperate with that grace.”
Never forget:
GOD DOES NOT ABANDON US.
GOD DOES NOT FORSAKE US.
© Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved