Jesus' Mission amidst Temptation

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : First Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 1:12-15*

*First Reading : Gn 9:8-15*

*SECOND READING : 1 Pt 3:18-22*

*Jesus' Mission amidst Temptation*

*1) Jesus in the Wilderness*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the temptation 

Jesus went into the desert and remained there for 40 days 

The Gospel also says that, *Jesus was with tempted by Satan.He was among wild beasts,*

Wild beasts once again symbolizes the demonic forces which were present in the place where Jesus was present 

On the other side the Satan was tempting in every possible way to trap Jesus 

This also shows that Satan and its kingdom with wild beasts 

So one should be very careful with regard to this 

*2) Jesus was not affected by the Evil*

In fact in the desert Jesus was surrounded by the evil forces

But none of the powers could affect Jesus in any way 

He was focused on the Mission of the Father, so he didn't give attention to the temptation 

This also conveys a powerful message that, even though there is lot of evil arround us, unless we permit, it can't enter into our life 

*3) The beginning of Jesus' ministry*

*After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God*

This sentence gives us a powerful message about the continuity of God's mission

Herod might have thought with the departure of John, the mission will come to an end 

At this juncture, the entry of Jesus is seen 

This shows that God's work can't be sopped 

When one tries to stop, God open another way to continue it 

Jesus is the best example is seen in today's Gospel

*4) Call for Repentance*

To remain far away from sin,  and say no to devil and to continue the mission of the Lord, we need a special instrument, which is called repentance

As we begin this lent, Jesus calls each and every one of us for repentance

Repentance increases our willing power to say no to devil 

Jesus, who won over the temptation, let's also try our best to overcome from our temptation, which we face everyday.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*