The Lenten Pilgrimage - Day 6

Tuesday, February 23rd 

   “When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.”  

                                                                                                                      Luke 4:13          

                                                                                   

     Luke’s the only gospel writer that tacks on this final thought at the end of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness.   It’s as if Luke is reminding his readers that the deceiver doesn’t give up easily.  It’s also a reminder that temptations often come when they are most effective.  And the most effective time for a temptation to strike is when we find ourselves most vulnerable.  In other words, “an opportune time."

      The devil doesn’t give up easily!  Sin, often dazed, is seldom destroyed.  John Wesley once named our tendency to succumb to temptation when he preached that humanity was “created to stand, and yet liable to fall” (“The New Birth”, 1760).

      Perhaps its a good thing to remember this closing comment by Luke.  Maybe its helpful for us to identify our places of greatest vulnerability. 

      Here’s a thought for the 6th day of Lent - Where are you most vulnerable to attack?  What is the sin that most often stalks you?  When is the most inopportune time for you to face temptation?

Prayer

 Lord Jesus, as we make our spiritual pilgrimage to the cross during this season of Lent, we are aware that, like Simon and the disciples, Satan desires to sift us like wheat.*  We know that sin is always lurking at the door.** Keep us ever mindful of our bent to sinning, our vulnerability to falling.  Help us to walk the way of the cross this day, one humble step at a time from a posture of confession and repentance.  Save us from sin.  Make us strong in the face of temptation, especially in those moments when we are most susceptible of being swayed by the tempter.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen.  

* Luke 22:31

**Genesis 4:7