Aware of Temptation – Reflection on Mark 1:12-15
We must constantly be aware of temptation. We can willingly allow Divinity to cleanse us so we can go into the world and be a person of the Good News. I am sure that from your experiences, being a Christian fully aware of right and wrong is difficult. To do so takes faith, knowledge, and an appreciation of the awe and wonder of God. Among the other gifts of the Spirit is the sense that we are cared for and waited on in a lesser form of Jesus in the desert. Perhaps you have been blessed with the courage to take the challenge of being in the kingdom to great heights. If you tried and failed, keep trying, it is part of the process, trust that Jesus is near you.
Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Mark 1:12-15 – Scripture*
The Temptation of Jesus
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 1:12-15 Reflection – Keep Aware of Temptation.
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 these 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 the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 1 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.