It is very consoling to see Jesus himself tempted. He prepared His public life with a fast of 40 days, similar to what we are doing during this Lenten season. If Jesus himself was tempted, and Jesus is perfect God and man, then it stands to reason that to be tempted is not necessarily bad; it is not a sin.
Read MoreJesus confides to His followers: “Now my soul is troubled.” And He tells them what human weakness may suggest: “And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour!” But our Lord shows them what the strength of His obedience is: “No, this is why I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
Read MoreIn today’s First Reading, we hear of the destruction of the Jerusalem temple by the Babylonians and the sacking of the city. Many people were killed, and all the leading citizens and skilled workers were deported to Babylon. The prophets viewed this as punishment for Israel’s infidelity.
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