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, with the divine keeping him alive and fully aware spiritually. I am sure there have been times that the Holy Spirit filled you, and you were able to resist temptations that drew you away from God. Opposite of that is the empty times when dormant vices materialize. What we do during these periods is our desert, when we can rely on our ability to reach out in faith, with absolute certainty that Divinity inside is there to help us.
Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness, James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum
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 reading and considering this Lectio Divina reflection on Luke 4:1-13 – Our Desert.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Luke 4 Bible passage.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.