Let us pray the Lord’s Prayer together. [Lead the prayer, but abruptly stop after “Lead us not into temptations”] Hold it, hold it. Have you ever wondered why we say, “lead us not into temptation?” I mean, God wouldn’t lead us anywhere bad, so why do we say that?
Well, according to the Catholic Catechism (#2846) the accurate translation from the Greek (and remember that the New Testament was originally written in Greek), the accurate translation of the Greek would be “do not allow us to enter into temptation” or “do not let us yield to temptation.”
When Jesus taught the disciples that prayer, it is as if he was teaching the disciples (and us) that we should pray not to come into the test of our will power, for our spirit might be strong but our flesh is weak.
And Jesus knows what he is talking about, because we heard in the gospel (as we do every first Sunday of Lent) that Jesus is the desert for 40 days and he is tempted by Satan. Now remember that throughout this liturgical year, we are hearing from Mark’s gospel. This is the oldest gospel. Notice that Mark never mentions how Satan tempted Jesus (Matthew and Luke give us those details). Mark simply says, “he was tempted by Satan.” But Mark does have Jesus say as he started his mission after these desert days, “repent and believe in the gospel.”
Another way of thinking of temptations . . . is what do we need to “let go” of? I wrote a song about letting go. It’s on my new CD. I call this song TO LET GO. And let it be known that I wrote this song before I ever even heard of the movie FROZEN with it’s hit song LET IT GO.” I think that they stole the idea from me.
sing verse 1
When the day time fades away, my walls of shame may cease.
When I face the dark of night, alone, my tears release.
I cannot wait for earthly saviors for now I dream and humbly dare
To let go, and bring my fears before the One of loving care.
How are you tempted?
Perhaps it’s a simple as having a weak flesh, that you are drawn to websites or
magazines that you know are not good for you.
Or maybe it’s as complicated as having big ego
and needing always to be right, or wonderful on always in control.
What do you need to let go of . . . or to continue to let go of?
Is it a feeling of anger or resentment?
Do you need to let go of allowing a hectic schedule to run your life?
Do you need to be “less perfect” and more “normal?”
Is there a deep hidden secret or burden (that you’ve carried for too long)
What is your temptation? . . . . a low self-esteem? not enough self-love?
Do you have a fear that “if others really knew you, would they wouldn’t like you?”
Perhaps there is a family hurt, or family problem that needs to be shared or at least talked about.
Maybe you have the temptation of taking others for granted (esp. those closest to you)
It is amazing how . . . those we “love the most” can “hurt us the most”
. . . and that we hurt them.
Do you have too much clutter in your life? Do you keep adding and upgrading?
When is enough enough?
Are you consistently needing to have a drink or need a smoke, or use a drug?
Can you really let go and fully trust God with your life?
[sing verse 2]
One by one, my wounds were chosen, one by one they’re healed
Heart that speaks to heart together, heart to heart revealed.
And though the task of hope is mighty for all a-round us, courage fails
To let go and trust beyond ourselves; the reign of God prevails.
What do you need to let go of?
Are you too self-centered, without thinking enough of others?
Do you find yourself working too much, worrying too much, wanting too much?
Maybe you need to let go of your consistent need to keep telling others how they
should improve their lives . . .
Do you have a freakish fear about getting sick or some great disease?
Maybe you need to let go of the amount of swearing, or gossiping, or lying that you do
. . . or the need to have all the answers.
Do you need to have the last word in an argument?
In what ways could you be a better listener?
Maybe your big temptation is simple not enjoying life, but always taking yourself too
seriously and not playing or laughing enough
Well now that you are all depressed with all these thoughts. The good news is that Lent is the perfect time to work on ourselves. To not only “give up one thing” but to make big changes in attitude and in heart.
As Jesus said in today’s gospel, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.” Goodness awaits you. As I said at the end of my Ash Wednesday homily, “What do you need to start doing? And what do you need to stop doing?”
[sing verse 3]
Then our hopes will leap and dance like flames against the night,
For God’s voice will vanish fear and claim the promised light.
And God will keep assurance clear, should darkness come & we don’t cease
To let go of fear and live in trust of God’s eternal peace.