On the right page
If you are the Son of God
Luke 4,3
When I was young I had a children’s picture Bible. I would very quickly flick passed the story of Jesus’ temptations. I was spooked by an illustration of the devil, complete with horns, cloven-hooves and a pitchfork; terrifying for a young child alone in their room at night!
Probably since the Enlightenment we in the West have had extra difficulty with the idea of the devil. As adults we realise that the devil can’t really be like the picture in my old picture Bible; and let’s face it - it’s easy to refuse the temptations of a grotesque figure that scares you and who you naturally want to avoid. You would just “turn the page” so to speak and he’d disappear. No, whatever the devil is, he is something far subtler. In fact, it says so in Genesis 3, 1. “The serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field”.
The devil therefore exists in our confusion. We fall into temptation because the alternative to the right decision becomes an appealing “what if?” (notice the use of the word “if” in the three temptations of Jesus in todays gospel reading). This “what if” divides our heart. In the moment of serious sin, instead of being integrated human beings, we become dis-integrated. St Augustine, when reflecting on his past sins described this internal division:
“My inner-self was divided against itself. When I was trying to decide to serve the Lord my God, as I had long wanted to do, I was the one who willed it, and I was the one who rejected it. I and I alone. But I neither willed it, nor fully rejected it. So I was in conflict with myself. I was in pieces.” (Confessions of St Augustine).
We only sin because it seems like an appealing alternative to good. This Lent, ask God to show you which page you need to turn to for clarity and to avoid any confusion.
A reflection written by Gianni Notarianni O.S.A., Parish Priest of St Augustine's Hammersmith, London and Director of Austin Forum
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Thank you! 106 people prayed
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:6