This Sunday we pray with Jesus, tempted to use his goodness and his abundant power according to the suggestions of Satan. (Mark 1:12-15, Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13)
I have often realized that my temptations always, always, always are connected to something that is a good thing (in my estimation). If I don't see it as good or beautiful or appealing, it has no attraction for me. For example, I am not tempted by sweets or even chocolate. They are ok, sure, but I can very easily do without. But bread, or peanuts or pasta? One step towards them, and I can plunge easily into wanting it all, filling myself to the brim, even hiding leftovers from others (there's a confession for you!)
So here is the image that describes my prayer today:
I am usually not tempted by "stuff". But oh my... the outdoors? There is where the wild beasts approach me. They tell me that attending to my passion to be outside alone will be more of a blessing to me than inviting somebody along. They tell me that it is okay to play hooky. The wild beasts also make it very, very painful to stay inside serving others. I can't be objective it seems, or even rational, let alone a "good and faithful servant" when the outdoors beckons.
That is when I must seek the angels, in a sense. That is when my fervent prayer is that God will protect me from even the goodness, the beauty and abundance that I face. I pray that they will not be temptations diverting me from God's call to serve others.
Those are the wild beasts that I KNOW I encounter. Are there others that I don't yet recognize?
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