Our Desert – Reflection on Luke 4:1-13
Jesus’s desert experience seems inconceivable if we do not believe he was not both human and divine. His divinity must have kept him alive and fully aware spiritually, as he otherwise would not have survived. More importantly, he resisted supernatural evil temptations that His human side would have appreciated. Undoubtedly, there have been times when the Holy Spirit’s gifts allowed you to resist temptations that could have drawn you away from God. However, the opposite of that is when life’s seemingly empty times and dormant vices materialize. What we do during these periods of our desert when there is only faith and the certainty that God is present can define us.
Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness by James Tissot (full resolution image of the painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 4:1-13 – Scripture*
The Temptation of Jesus
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,‘ He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and on their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 4:1-13 – Our Desert.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate your expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let our communities’ young families experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Luke 4.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Our Desert
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.