Originally published at Churchpop
In Matthew 4: 1-11, we hear the Gospel account of Jesus being led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. This period preceded the beginning of his earthly ministry.
The season of Lent reminds us of this time in salvation history. We, too, are called into the desert to be tempted in our own ways. Entering this time allows us to fully participate in the Passion, Death, and ultimately, the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.
But, why did Jesus enter the desert in the first place?According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (538-540),“The Gospels speak of a time of solitude for Jesus in the desert immediately after his baptism by John. Driven by the Spirit into the desert, Jesus remains there for 40 days without eating; he lives among wild beasts, and angels minister to him. At the end of this time, Satan tempts him three times, seeking to compromise his filial attitude toward God. Jesus rebuffs these attacks, which recapitulate the temptations of Adam in Paradise and of Israel in the desert, and the devil leaves him ‘until an opportune time.’“The evangelists indicate the salvific meaning of this mysterious event: Jesus is the new
