From FR MICHAEL
After the time in the wilderness, Jesus would have taken time to go over and reflect what had happened to him.
What Jesus remembers is every word that came forth from the mouth of God. In particular he remembers the words he heard when he emerged from the waters of John’s baptism, “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased”. He has meditated on this word for a sacred time of forty days and forty nights. In the process he has come to some conclusions about what it means. The strength of these conclusions is what he is in touch with. Therefore he can push back. He can say “No!”. Knowing who you are is the flip side of saying who you are not.
Jesus may be conscious of his true identity in a clear and immediate way, but for most of us it is a more laboured and reflected effort. We do not always remember our spiritual identity. So temptations appear to us as options, possibilities that have to be weighed, rather than demonic invitations that have to be dismissed. In particular, temptations are attractive because they appeal to our fantasy selves, those aspects of ourselves that want to be above it all. And this is the opportunity, our good fortune to have what we always wanted – a life that is always satiated, without injury. How can we remember who we are when we are offered tantalising possibilities of who we might become or what we might own. We need to slow down and think about things and talk to friends – and do not decide until you know what is good for you. The best way to say no is to be in touch with a stronger yes!
I wish you all a good Lenten time.
with love and prayers Fr Michael