GOSPEL: Gospel, Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the desert to be put to the test by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was hungry, and the tester came and said to him, 'If you are Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.' But he replied, 'Scripture says: Human beings live not on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' The devil then took him to the holy city and set him on the parapet of the Temple. 'If you are Son of God,' he said, 'throw yourself down; for scripture says: He has given his angels orders about you, and they will carry you in their arms in case you trip over a stone.' Jesus said to him, 'Scripture also says: Do 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 splendour. And he said to him, 'I will give you all these, if you fall at my feet and do me homage.' Then Jesus replied, 'Away with you, Satan! For scripture says: The Lord your God is the one to whom you must do homage, him alone you must serve.' Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels appeared and looked after him.


REFLECTION
In this week’s Gospel, Luke writes: “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, went into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” During his encounter with the devil, the devil tempted Jesus three times.  Each temptation tested Jesus.  However, with each temptation, Jesus had a response to the devil.  Jesus had the inner strength and wisdom to refuse the earthly temptations that the devil placed before him.  Jesus was neither interested in power nor wealth, and he refused to prove who he was to anyone, even the devil.  Finally, Jesus bluntly told the devil: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test!” Finally, the devil departed.

Today we also encounter these same earthly temptations: having extraordinary abilities, influence, power, and wealth.   Do we have the inner strength to refuse these temptations?  The world typically applauds those individuals who have power, wealth or extraordinary abilities.  Are we content to be satisfied with a normal life, not to be extraordinary? 

Jesus wants us to be holy, wise, and discerning individuals.  He knew that the temptations of the world are powerful. Jesus also realises that those same temptations do not necessarily bring happiness and peace.  Power is extremely seductive.  If we are not discerning, power may tempt us to take a road that might lead to our destruction. 

Today, be mindful of the concept of power and its ability to seduce you.  Ask Jesus to help you stay alert to these temptations.  These temptations may seem insignificant.  However, if we give into small temptations, we are more likely to give into more dangerous temptations.  (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)

PROJECT COMPASSION
Around the world, people are coming together to make the world a better place. Whether it's ensuring everyone has access to clean, safe water supplies or a sustainable income source or adequate health care for their families, we’re going to give our all too. 

We are experiencing technical difficulties with our online donation page so donations are not showing, but please continue to donate. Students are able to give by placing a donation in their classroom Project Compassion box. 

Last week we raised a total of $81.60. Thank you to all who contributed.

However you choose to contribute, please donate and help make the world a fairer place for all. Let's go further, together.

God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator