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Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, February 24th, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. If you can make it, this study is a marvelous preparation for each week's Mass readings.

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Resisting Temptation, Our Weapons are Mighty

Sunday, February 25, 2007
First Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 91:1-2,10-15
Romans 10:8-13
Luke 4:1-13

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

Have you made any Lenten resolutions yet? Have you thought yet, “Why bother,” because you doubt that you will follow through? Sometimes it seems that making resolutions simply invites temptation. The harder we try to control our instincts or make room in our hearts for more of all God has for us, the more we are tempted not to. So why provoke a battle?

The question really is, why fear the battle? God saved us so we might live without fear (Luke 1:74). He’s given us his Holy Spirit, who brings the wisdom, discernment, self-control and courage we need to face down temptation. We stand in the power of Jesus’ cross, where Satan met defeat once and for all. We have the word of God near us, in our mouths and hearts (Romans 10:8), so that we can cry out to the Lord when we are in trouble (Deuteronomy 26:7).

Here is how you can stand against temptation: Simply admit and declare that Jesus is your Lord. Not your cravings, not the narrowness of your experience nor the emptiness in your hearts, but Jesus. Simply declare: “Jesus, I believe that you are alive, bigger and more powerful than this temptation.” Then, remind the devil: “You lost the battle when Jesus died on the cross.” Finally, believe that in Christ you need never be put to shame (Romans 10:11).

God wants to fill us with his Spirit and his love! He wants to help us make room in our hearts for him. We don’t have to be afraid of even the small, daily temptations to break Lenten resolutions. God is here to help us. He promises that when we call upon him, he will answer us. When we cling to him, he will be with us, and he will deliver us (Psalm 91:14-15), just as he delivered Jesus from the temptations in the desert.

“Jesus, save me today when temptation begins its bullying. I trust your promise that everyone who calls on your name will be saved. I thank you, Lord, even beforehand, for delivering me, for your faithfulness and your love for me.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.  In the first reading, Moses reminds the people of all that God has done for them by setting them free from slavery to the Egyptians. He also instructs the people (and the priests) to express their gratefulness and thanks to God by offering him their “first fruits.” Each of us has been set free from slavery to sin, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What are some “first fruits” you can offer to God out of gratefulness to Him for this wonderful work. Discuss some gift(s) God has given you that he may be asking you to use for him now.

2.  The Responsorial Psalm calls God our “refuge and fortress,” that is, the source of our comfort and strength. Where do you turn for comfort and strength? In light of the many promises of the Lord in this Psalm, how can you overcome the obstacles that keep you from seeking your comfort and strength from the Lord?

3.  In the second reading, what does St. Paul say is required to be “saved”? In what ways do you agree or disagree with this? Have you ever made a personal commitment of your life to Jesus Christ? Why not take a few minutes now with the men in your group to “confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord” and receive him as Lord of your life. How open are you to sharing your belief in Christ with others? If not, why not?

4.  The second reading also says that in Christ all distinctions between people, whether Jew or Greek, have been abolished. Considering that we will all be together in heaven one day, what are the prejudices in your life God might be asking you to eliminate?

5.  In the Gospel reading, how would you summarize the temptations of the devil towards Jesus in the desert? How would you relate them to the ways the devil tries to tempt you? In the Gospel, Jesus quotes the truths of Scripture, the Word of God, to respond to the lies and temptations of the devil. How often do you read Scripture on your own now? Discuss some steps you are willing to take during Lent that will allow you to read and meditate on Scripture more regularly?

6.  In today’s meditation, we hear these words, “God is here to help us. He promises that when we call upon him, he will answer us. When we cling to him, he will be with us, and he will deliver us (Psalm 91:14-15), just as he delivered Jesus from the temptations in the desert.” How can you respond to these words?

7.  Take some time at the end of your meeting to pray for one another to resist the temptations of "the world, the flesh, and the devil" using the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen