Jesus obeyed to death.  Hence, we focus on him, on his word and example.  For only thus will we learn to obey like him and not fail the test.

Luke wants that, through his writing, Theophilus gets to be one of Jesus’ true and strong pupils.  Hence, we can say that the Jesus the devil tests is the example to follow (Comentarios al evangelio 2).  The Teacher and Model of all perfection (LG 40) also teaches his pupils how to beat the devil.  

Jesus’ example

Jesus gives an example, so we may learn not to think just of our own needs.  Not to think that God serves only to give us what we lack.

For, yes, we do not live on bread alone, but on all that comes from God’s mouth.  That is to say, to live truly, it is better that we hear and do the word of God.

It is because this will lead us all to have our fill, so none of us will be poor.  And it will be true no more that there will always be poor folks in the land.  For we shall freely give to our poor brothers and sisters.  Is this not what sons and daughters of the Father who is heaven do?

Jesus is example for us also since he does not at all worship the devil.  He is true to God who commands, “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”

How sad, then, that it seems there are those of the clergy who dress up like the Pharisees.  They like to be greeted and they seek wealth and honor.  But not a few lay folks seem to like the Church to have back its past power and glory.  They like order, not chaos, and clarity, not confusion.

Yet Jesus is not served, but serves and gives his life for others.  He does not seek benefits, privileges or exemption from loss, harm or risk.  Later on, we will see him give in to dark powers, give up his body and shed his blood.

He refuses besides to take advantage of his being God’s Son to show off in a spectacular way.  For this will be to try to control God, force his hand, test him.

Lord Jesus, in you is our salvation and you are near us.  Help us to follow your example, so that we not fail the test.  And plead with God for us that he may give us the grace to be true to him until death (SV.EN IX:284), for he has made us his own.

9 March 2025
First Sunday of Lent (C)
Dt 26, 4-10; Rom 10, 8-13; Lk 4, 1-13