Forty Days
I can't imagine going forty days without food.
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. - Luke 4:1-2
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus takes some time to be alone with his thoughts and prayers, only to find himself tormented.
We may look at the three temptations the devil has for Jesus and say we could never be tempted that way, but is that true?
I know if I set out to go forty days without food, I would be tempted to raid the fridge within hours, if not sooner. Would that be the devil tempting me? Perhaps, but he wouldn't have to be physically present. I have many ways to get something to eat if I truly wanted to give in to the hunger.
The temptation for power and glory is something different. How many of us could see an opportunity to have authority over the world? But if we think about it, there may be times when we could be tempted to do tings that would benefit us at the expense of our morals.
And the final temptation, where Jesus is asked to test God, how often do we do that? Perhaps for us it is a deal we wish to strike with Him. Do this for me and I will be more faithful. I will be a better person if only you help me now.
So, the forty days for me represents any time when I feel the path I am on is a struggle and there has to be an easier way, a way around the test of my will.
Yes, I could use a break from overeating and having my wine and cheese. I should take a time out from my daily routine and my desires to be the best or smartest or most accomplished. I should stop and think before trying to bargain with God for His attention.
All these things are for all of us to consider, not just Jesus because He was and is special.
The forty days are for us.
And maybe they are impossible to tackle all at once, but we can try one day at a time.
That may be the only way to do it.
What about today?
More to come...