Today’s Gospel reading takes place right after Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River by John, where the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus and God the Father speaks from the heavens, saying “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Why, then, was Jesus led into the desert to be tempted? Just like us, Jesus was human. He felt hunger, pain, exhaustion, and exasperation. Also like us, He had free will. Satan tested Jesus with the same enticements that he originally tempted Adam and Eve with…food, power, testing God. He knew Jesus was hungry, tired, and weak in the desert; an opportune time to test Him. However, unlike Adam and Eve, Jesus resisted the temptations; He showed himself to be the “new Adam.” He also gave us an important lesson. When are we most likely to be tempted, and by what? The answer is different for each of us. Satan knows what buttons to push, and how to twist things around so they don’t seem so bad. After all, what was so bad about Jesus making food for Himself, right? Jesus showed us that, whatever our temptation is, the answer to it is found in turning to God and relying on His help…just as Jesus did in the desert. I also think it’s worth noting that the Gospel says Satan left Jesus “for a time.” Satan is always around, always looking for an opportunity; besting him once doesn’t mean he won’t be back. During this time of Lent, we can all strengthen our defenses by turning to God in prayer and fasting and relying on His help to succeed in whatever we set out to accomplish in this season. Reflection by St. Catherine’s parishioner, John Ceglarek