The threefold temptation of Christ; Angels: Day 184

The threefold temptation of Christ; Angels: Day 184 January 21, 2017

angels_augustine_2St. Augustine gives us an analysis  of  the temptation of  Christ, showing how Satan tried to appeal to Christ’s hunger, his vanity, and his curiosity.

The temptation of the Lord Man was threefold:

  1. By food: that is, by the lust of the flesh, where he suggests, “command these stones to become loaves of bread” (Matt. 4:3).
  2. By vain boasting, where, when stationed on a mountain, all the kingdoms of this earth are shown him, and promised if he would worship (Matt. 4:8-9).
  3. By curiosity, where, from the pinnacle of the temple, he is advised to throw himself down to see whether he would be held up by angels (Matt. 4:6).

Thus, after the enemy could not prevail on him with any of these temptations, it says, “when the devil had ended every temptation (Luke 4:13). –St. Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 8, 13

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

How do I respond when the devil’s temptations strike at my hunger, my vanity, or my curiosity? Can I think of any such temptations recently that I either did or did not overcome?

CLOSING PRAYER

Preserve me, Lord, from the malice and craftiness of the evil one, for the sake of your holy name.

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.


Browse Our Archives