Homilía 06-03-2022 // Mons. Munilla Domingo 1º de Cuaresma - Ciclo C
Reflections on Temptation and Holiness
The Call to Holiness
- The gathering of catechists occurs on the first Sunday of Lent, emphasizing a divine call to holiness.
- The Gospel discusses Jesus' temptations, urging believers to engage in the spiritual battle that Christ faced.
Jesus’ Temptations
- After His baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert to confront temptations, highlighting a paradoxical mission.
- The Gospel concludes with the devil leaving after failing to tempt Jesus, indicating ongoing spiritual warfare throughout His life.
Understanding Temptation
- Temptations are not setbacks but integral to Jesus' mission for redemption; He experienced temptation as part of human existence.
- A theological adage states: "What has not been assumed has not been redeemed," underscoring that Jesus embraced all aspects of humanity except sin.
Transforming Temptation into Growth
- Temptations can become opportunities for spiritual growth and sanctity; they serve as a backdrop for developing holiness.
- Saint Pio of Pietrelcina likens facing temptation to washing dirty laundry—confronting it leads to purification through Christ's grace.
Key Teachings from Jesus on Overcoming Temptation
Discerning Lies in Temptation
- First teaching: Recognize that temptation is often cloaked in lies. Jesus reveals these deceptions through Scripture.
- By quoting Scripture three times during His confrontation with temptation, Jesus emphasizes reliance on God's word for truth.
Radical Action Against Sin
- Second teaching: Combat temptation decisively without negotiation. Engaging with evil can lead to loss; radical action is necessary.
Seeking Divine Grace
Understanding Temptation and Spiritual Warfare
Key Teachings on Overcoming Temptation
- The speaker acknowledges personal weakness and fragility, emphasizing reliance on God's grace to overcome challenges. Trust in Jesus is highlighted as essential for receiving strength and assistance.
- The importance of being radical in faith is discussed, suggesting that one should not negotiate with temptation but rather confront it decisively.
- A critical teaching is to recognize the true enemy: Satan. The speaker stresses that our struggle is against spiritual forces rather than human adversaries, urging clarity in identifying the source of temptation.
- It’s emphasized that even those who may seem like enemies are often victims themselves. Understanding this helps fulfill the commandment to love one's enemies, focusing instead on combating evil itself.
- The call to concentrate efforts in spiritual combat mirrors Christ's own struggles, encouraging believers to embrace their challenges with confidence and commitment to holiness.
Personal Reflection and Commitment