I'm New Here
Welcome!
FAQs
Welcome Weekends/Donut Sundays
Request More Information
Join our Parish
Become Catholic
Who Are We?
Our Mission & Patron
Parish History
Domestic Church
Meet the Team
Parish Staff
Pastoral Council
Finance Council
Careers
Sacraments
Baptism
Eucharist
Reconciliation
Confirmation
Anointing of the Sick
Marriage
Holy Orders
Ministries
Adult Formation
Small Groups
RCIA: Adult Sacraments
Eucharistic Revival
Lenten Resources & Media
Catholic Social Teaching
September 2022--Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
October 2022-Life & Dignity of the Human Person
November 2022--Call to Family, Community & Participation
December 2022--Rights & Responsibilities
Children's Ministry
Faith Formation
Contact Us
Busy Bees
Family Class
St. Bruno Parish School
Youth Ministry
Faith Formation
Confirmation Prep
Get Connected
Human Concerns
Ministries
Outreach Ministries
Help from Home
Get Involved
Music & Liturgy
Ministries
Get Involved
Administration
Ministries
Get Involved
Stewardship
Belong Believe Become
Ministries
Get Involved
Events
Calendar
Schedule an Event
Event Form
Schedule a Funeral
Schedule a Wedding
Schedule a Ministry/Committee Event
Schedule a Wedding
Messages
Blog
Bulletins
Catholic Faith Resources
Latest News
Story Links
Newsletters
St. Paul Mass on TV
St. Paul Mass on YouTube
Give
Giving
Realm Online Giving
Giving from your Realm profile
Giving as a guest
Connect App
Update Your Information
Love One Another Capital Campaign 2023
|||
Join our Parish
Request More Information
Bulletins
Facebook
Instagram
Blog
News RSS
Search
Search
I'm New Here
Welcome!
FAQs
Welcome Weekends/Donut Sundays
Request More Information
Join our Parish
Become Catholic
Who Are We?
Our Mission & Patron
Parish History
Domestic Church
Meet the Team
Parish Staff
Pastoral Council
Finance Council
Careers
Sacraments
Baptism
Eucharist
Reconciliation
Confirmation
Anointing of the Sick
Marriage
Holy Orders
Ministries
Adult Formation
Small Groups
RCIA: Adult Sacraments
Eucharistic Revival
Lenten Resources & Media
Catholic Social Teaching
Children's Ministry
Faith Formation
Busy Bees
Family Class
St. Bruno Parish School
Youth Ministry
Faith Formation
Confirmation Prep
Get Connected
Human Concerns
Ministries
Music & Liturgy
Ministries
Administration
Ministries
Stewardship
Belong Believe Become
Ministries
Events
Calendar
Schedule an Event
Messages
Blog
Bulletins
Catholic Faith Resources
Latest News
Newsletters
St. Paul Mass on TV
St. Paul Mass on YouTube
Give
Giving
Love One Another Capital Campaign 2023
March 10
I'm New Here
March
7
,
2019
As we enter into this Lenten season of penance and self-denial, we're reminded that the God we follow is no stranger to these things. In this Sunday's Gospel, we see the tempta-tions of Jesus which have parallels throughout Scripture and in our own lives. The apostle John warns against temptations to sensual lust, enticement of the eyes, and a pretentious life (cf. 1 John 2:16). Before Eve plucks the fruit from the tree, she hears it is good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom (cf. Genesis 3:6). The temptations of Jesus are our own.
"Turn these stones to bread." Here is the lure of bodily com-fort, like good food or sensual lust. It's the simplest of tempta-tions because it's instinctual. We want good for our bodies! But there may be times these bodily goods don't serve the higher good for our souls. The leap "from the temple parapet" would entice the eye of the person watching. A feat like this would prove Jesus' Messianic ability. His popularity could be a shortcut to the cross. We might not be daredevils, but we want people to like us and be impressed by us. Do we sacrifice our values along the way? To "bow and worship" the devil - and so claim power and a pretentious life - seems like a dramatic temptation. Not everyone may feel enticed by power in the professional sense, but all of us want control. A volunteer team can feel just as intense as the boardroom! How often do we prefer to be in control of our lives (and perhaps even the lives of others), rather than allow God to be God?
When we consider areas of temptation and sin, it's not to feel ashamed. The temptation in the desert reminds us that we are not alone and that the strength of Jesus can be our strength, too.
©LITURGICAL PUBLICATION