Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. (Psalm 50)
Today’s magnificent readings outline our salvation history: the sin of our First Parents and our Saviour’s response when subjected to a similar temptation.
The contrast could not be more stark.
Adam and Eve took the easy option when they submitted to the lure of divinization. Taking easy options is, perhaps, the first sin.
Jesus, by contrast, did not choose the easy option. As he began his salvific mission in loving obedience to his Father’s will, he must have wondered how he would accomplish it. He was offered these choices: As a bread king? As a spectacular wonder-worker? As a magnificent temporal ruler?
These temptations he firmly resisted: “Be off, Satan!”
As we know, Jesus chose the way of gentleness and humility, teaching the lessons he learnt from his Father, Abba.
We can take those lessons to heart during this holy season.
