“Lord of the universe, he hid his infinite glory and took the nature of a servant. Incapable of suffering as God, he did not refuse to be a man, capable of suffering.”
READ: MATTHEW 4:1–11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry, and the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.” But he replied, “Scripture says: Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The devil then took him to the holy city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down; for scripture says: He will put you in his angels’ charge, and they will support you on their hands in case you hurt your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “Scripture also says: You must not put the Lord your God to the test.” Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “I will give you all these,” he said, “if you fall at my feet and worship me.” Then Jesus replied, “Be off, Satan! For scripture says: You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.” Then the devil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him.
YOUR THREE-STEP GUIDE TO DAILY MENTAL PRAYER
REFLECT
Jesus Christ knows what it means to suffer temptation. He is truly human, just like us in all things except sin. Therefore, we can appeal to Him when temptations beset us; He knows what we are going through. He did not want to leave us alone in our struggles; He wishes to walk by our side every step along the way. That’s why He came to earth in the first place. In Christ, we have a friend like no other: His patience is boundless, His empathy is complete, and His concern for us is as personal as it is pure.
Jesus: Do not be afraid — even when you are weak and you fall, I will be there to pick you up. Trust in the strength of prayer and sacrifice, and no temptations will drag you away from me. To be tempted doesn’t mean to deny me — just turn your gaze back to me, and I will be there to strengthen you against the wiles of the devil. In the desert, the thought of you spurred me on. I wanted to suffer in the wilderness to convince you that I can be there to hold you and guide you in the dark nights of your soul. I am with you until the end of time.
RESPOND
Lord, Your motto was so simple: “Thy will be done.” I want to live by the same motto. But I often follow other mottos, other desires. Teach me how to close the gap between what I want to be (Your faithful follower) and what I too often am (self-seeking, self-absorbed, self-indulgent). With the Kingdom of Your heart, reign in my heart.
REST
You have done so much for me, Lord. And I forget so easily. You suffered for me — just for me. You were tempted, You fasted, You were hungry — all for me, to save me, to redeem me. Thank You, Lord. What would You have me do?
RESOLVE
How can I carry this encounter with me into the day? (Write / Journal)
CLOSING PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Most Blessed and Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for Your love and Your grace in allowing me this time of prayer with You.
The world, the flesh, and the devil will all propose things I should focus on and run after today. I beg You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me instead to know and embrace Your will. Help me to see what You desire of me each moment of this day. Give me the wisdom, strength, and fortitude I need to avoid distractions, discern Your will, and focus on and carry out that which Wisdom reveals. Help me to work and live at a pace of peace and prayerfulness, always attentive to You, able to hear Your voice and to say no to anything that hinders my journey to You and a complete yes to every Holy prompting from You.
Help me to humbly and purposefully live, light, and lead others to the path of union with You and to tell everyone about this way of life. Amen.
About the Author
Fr. John Bartunek was ordained in 2003. He has taught moral theology at various ecclesiastical institutions at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and has authored many books, including the Gospel companion, The Better Part, and Inside the Passion, the only authorized behind-the-scenes look at the film, for which he provided on-set spiritual support. His online retreat guides are available in multiple formats at RCSpirituality.org. Fr. John currently resides in Atlanta, where he is serving as territorial vicar for the Legionaries of Christ.
