Temptation

Christ is so compassionate, knowing that we are exposed to so many dangers. Satan has asked to put us through the crucible of temptation, but Christ has prayed for us. Saint Paul reminds us that “God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able, but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.”

In Christ’s Church there are many generous souls. They offer themselves as victims to save and sanctify not only His priests, but you as well. They take upon themselves temptations which were destined for you and me to which we would have given in to! Still, we cannot be free from struggle. Job says: “Man’s life on earth is a temptation.“ No one will be crowned unless he fights a good fight.

No one is so perfect and holy as sometimes not to have temptations. Nevertheless, temptations can be very profitable, difficult though they may be. The world is opposed to the Gospel of Christ. Secularists rail at the simplicity of the just man and the liveliness of his faith; they deride the practices of piety and the austerity of the priestly life.

We see examples of this spirit of worldliness in the lukewarmness and the luxurious lifestyles of so many people and even priests. Scandal may come, but woe to him by whom it is given. Watch therefore and pray. Our own corrupt nature is our most dangerous enemy. Our hearts are inclined to evil from our youth; our bodies are like chains which bind us to the earth; our traitorous wills enter into secret alliances with the enemy.

Temptation enters through the eyes, the ears, the tongue, the imagination, the memory and the intelligence. The world is given over to evil. For all that is in the world is the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and the pride of life. The shameless seduction of sin lays hold on everything. Watch therefore and pray...

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Jeffery A. Fasching