Scripture Scribbles: February 26, 2023

the Gospel

Matthew 4:1-11

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert
to be tempted by the devil.
He fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was hungry.
The tempter approached and said to him,
"If you are the Son of God,
command that these stones become loaves of bread."
He said in reply,
"It is written:
One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth
from the mouth of God."

Then the devil took him to the holy city,
and made him stand on the parapet of the temple,
and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.
For it is written:
He will command his angels concerning you
and with their hands they will support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone."
Jesus answered him,
"Again it is written,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test."
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain,
and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence,
and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you,
if you will prostrate yourself and worship me."
At this, Jesus said to him,
"Get away, Satan!
It is written:
The Lord, your God, shall you worship
and him alone shall you serve."

Then the devil left him and, behold,
angels came and ministered to him.

the devotion

The devil tempted Jesus three times/ways in the desert: the flesh − to turn stones into bread, the world − to test God rather than trust in His plan, and the devil − to worship Satan. Jesus resisted, and the devil left him. The devil tempts us all. Matthew Kelly warned, “If you don’t know there is a battle, you’ve already lost the war.” So, what temptations are you battling, and what can you do about it?

A major temptation that frequently assaults me is being overly anxious/fearful about my current/future life circumstances, failing to completely trust and surrender to God. Combining insights of Dr. Edward Sri and Beth Davis, I try to use/implement these practical tips to help resist Satan’s attacks.

1.  Be vigilant, alert, and ready to resist the devil. “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

2. Pray and call on the name of Jesus. “Spirit of fear, in the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to depart.” Pray the St. Michael’s prayer. Pray to St. Joseph, terror of demons.

3. Respond to the temptation with God’s word. “Fear not, for I am with you.” Isaiah 43:5

Additional suggestions by Fr. Chad Ripperger, exorcist, are to consecrate your problems to Jesus and Mary and immerse yourself in the Catholic life (frequent confession, Eucharistic adoration, devotions, rosary, consistent prayer life, fasting …).

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Today’s devotion was written by Karen Molvar

Today’s devotion was written by Karen Molvar