The episode of Jesus in the wilderness is presented to us on the first Sunday of Lent. In the wilderness, Jesus is alone in the eyes of men, and he meets the devil who tempts him to be comfortable, rich and to have power. One might ask: What about it? The Founder gives us a tentative answer in the Spiritual Gymnasium when he writes:
“It is necessary that takes off all one’s clothes in order to wrestle:
because if… he is dressed in even a small thing,
the enemy will easily find a place to grab him from and knock him to the ground.”
The devil knows which path he should take… and that is why he puts before us things that at first glance seem beautiful and good.
But how will I give of my energy to walk after Jesus if I find myself comfortable with my daily routine? How will I offer the time and use the wealth I have for others if my mind is on money and part-time work? How will I obey; how will I be humble and serve others if I am attached to my ideas and want things to be done the way I wish them to be done?
Like Jesus in the wilderness we need to get rid of those things that don’t leave us free to love. The Founder writes that it is necessary we only wear the armour of prayer. Let us be convinced that everything we have comes from God and in that way it becomes easier for us to do everything for his sake.
Daniel Micallef
SDC Member
