“Immediately, the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts, and the angels waited on him.” Mark 1: 12-13

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The account in Mark, though brief, symbolizes the desert as a place of testing and purification. While it does not detail the specific forms of temptation or mention fasting, it highlights the presence of “wild beasts” and alludes to the 40 days, a symbolic period of oppression and testing in the biblical tradition. Jesus faced various temptations throughout his life, deviations that sought to divert him from his divine mission.

In this narrative, the Holy Spirit acts as an impetus that strengthens and encourages Jesus amidst the forces of evil that seek to hinder God’s plan. It does not promise him an easy path but provides the necessary strength to resist.

Church Fathers’ Interpretation:

According to St. John Chrysostom, Jesus faced temptations to provide us with a lesson on fighting against the devil. His example urges us to patiently resist the most challenging temptations that may arise throughout our lives. While God may allow temptations, we should not seek them out; instead, we should strive to avoid and overcome them.

St. Bede, in analyzing this passage, reminds us that just as Christ was surrounded by wild animals, we too are often surrounded by people whose bad habits and wickedness can harm our souls. In such situations, it is crucial to distance us from these negative influences and allow the angels to surround us and protect us.

On the other hand, St. Jerome warns us that the flesh can often behave like a wild beast, but once it calms down, the angels come to our aid and accompany us on our spiritual journey. This metaphor invites us to reflect on controlling our impulses and the importance of seeking divine guidance in moments of weakness.

In summary, the teachings of these Church Fathers urge us to remain vigilant against temptations, surround ourselves with positive influences, and seek divine assistance to resist the forces of evil and strengthen our faith.

Judgment:

In the current era, there is a noticeable lack of discussion about the existence of the devil, with a tendency to deny his presence and his role in tempting and leading humans away from God and into suffering. Despite this trend of denial, there are groups and associations, especially among the youth, who worship the malevolent.

Another prominent aspect in our society is the aversion to suffering and the lack of preparation in the younger generations for sacrifice for the benefit of others. The younger generations tend towards egocentrism, prioritizing personal satisfaction over any other consideration. This attitude is often reflected in daily life, where parents tend to indulge and obey their children instead of setting clear boundaries.

Jesus provides us with a clear example of how to prepare for crucial moments in life through reflection and prayer. This preparation not only helps us discern God’s will in our lives but also strengthens us to face the challenges that arise from our decisions in personal, professional, and social spheres.

It is essential to acknowledge the existence of evil and the importance of spiritual and moral preparation to face life’s challenges with wisdom and strength, following Jesus’ example in his teachings on reflection, prayer, and preparation for crucial moments.

Actions to Take:

We face daily challenges in our family, social, and work life, and to address them in the best possible way, we can consider the following actions:

1. Time for Reflection:

   – Retreat to a secluded place at home, such as our room, to dedicate a few minutes to prayer, meditation, and reflection. This moment of tranquility allows us to focus and find clarity amidst the daily hustle and bustle.

2. Mortification and Self-Discipline:

   – Strive, at least once a week, to mortify our senses. This could involve turning off the radio for a few moments to meditate, reducing the amount of a favorite treat, or taking on challenging responsibilities at home. These acts of self-discipline foster inner strength and personal growth.

3. Sacrifice with Purpose:

   – It is important to remember that sacrificing for the sake of it alone can lead to masochism. However, when we offer our sacrifices for a greater cause, such as the needs of the Church, family, the conversion of sinners, among others, their value is magnified and joins Christ’s merits, acquiring a deep and transcendent spiritual meaning.

4. Participation in Spiritual Retreats:

   – Attending retreats organized by the parish or a religious association can be an enriching experience. These retreats provide a space for reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth that helps us renew our faith and strengthen our connection with the divine.

In summary, by dedicating time to reflection, practicing self-discipline, offering sacrifices with purpose, and participating in spiritual retreats, we can strengthen our spiritual life and face daily challenges with greater clarity, strength, and purpose.

Anecdote: A Shift in Perspective Through Sacrifice

When I was a child, one of the tasks I detested the most was washing the dishes after lunch. Every time my mom asked me to do it, a feeling of displeasure would overwhelm me, leading me to cry, kick, and rebel, as if it were an impossible task to accomplish.

However, everything changed during a religion class at school, where the Sister spoke to us about the value of sacrifice and shared inspiring examples of the sacrifices of the saints. In particular, she mentioned how Saint Therese of Lisieux achieved the conversion of a death row prisoner through her prayers and sacrifices.

Inspired by these teachings, I decided to put what I had learned into practice. The next time my mom asked me to wash the dishes, not only did I accept gladly, but I did it with a renewed attitude. Each plate, glass, knife, and spoon I washed was accompanied by an intention: “I offer this for the salvation of a soul” or “I offer this for the missionaries.”

Over time, this act of sacrifice became more than just a household chore. I began to seek more ways to serve and help, expanding my dishwashing duties to cleaning pots, kitchen utensils, stoves, tables, and eventually sweeping and mopping the floor. What was once a burden transformed into an opportunity to gain experience, serve, and offer each action for a greater cause.

Conclusion:

Jesus’ experience in the desert provides us with a powerful lesson on the importance of withdrawing in prayer to fulfill the mission entrusted to us in life. Through prayer, we can strengthen ourselves to resist and overcome not only the temptations of the enemy of our salvation but also to overcome our own weaknesses and become better individuals and Christians.

It is essential to revalue sacrifice and mortification, not only as means to overcome our bad inclinations but also as ways to collaborate in salvation and meet the needs of others. By uniting our sacrifices with those of Christ, we can significantly contribute to the well-being of the community and collective spiritual growth.

This process of personal learning not only benefits us at an individual level but also empowers us to impart these teachings to others, making us agents of change both personally and within the community. Especially parents have the responsibility to teach their children the value of sacrifice, not as something negative, but as an opportunity to unite their efforts with those of Christ and do good to others. In summary, by following the example of Jesus in the desert, revaluing sacrifice and mortification, and sharing these teachings with others, we can contribute to a more compassionate, supportive, and spiritually enriched world.

To Reflect:

1. Is sacrifice and mortification valued today in society?

2. Is it important for parents to teach their children that they don’t always get what they want?

3. Can parents teach their children to make small age-appropriate sacrifices?

In general, promoting the value of sacrifice, teaching gratitude, and practicing small acts of generosity from childhood can significantly contribute to the formation of empathetic, responsible individuals committed to the well-being of society.

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God bless us.

Sources of the Article.

– Catena Aurea, Comentarios al Evangelio, San Marcos, Santo Tomás de Aquino, Ivory Falls Books, 2016

– Biblia de Jerusalén, Editorial Desclée, 1992