In the Lord’s prayer, we ask, “Lead us not into temptation,” but that is precisely where the Holy Spirit leads Jesus after his baptism. After a mystical experience of God’s favor, being called the beloved of God, Jesus finds himself famished in the wilderness. This reminds me of Mother Teresa’s story, which we reflected on last week. An uncomfortable truth emerges: We are at the same time beloved of God, called by God, and also hungry, tempted and in pain.
It can’t be an accident that Jesus’ ministry was forged in the wilderness. Jesus was hungry, famished, not only for food but also for freedom and justice for his people and a renewal of faith through love and mercy. Overcome by hunger, Jesus is offered a way out. Acknowledge that this world is the most important thing: having our desires met, having the power to set people free, to keep people safe. Admit that, and you can have the pain of this deep yearning end. In the face of temptation, Jesus holds fast to God, placing love of God at the center of his being.
Being beloved of God is an invitation to leave behind our worldly identities—our jobs, successes, or relationships—and instead to plant our identity in God’s mercy and grace. Jesus’ ministry began in the wilderness, with his identity planted firmly in God. Temptation failed to draw him away, but rather burned away the illusion that anything else could be more important, and he was ready to go out and proclaim, “Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven has drawn near!”
What temptations draw you away from God? What identities do you hold most dearly? Is the Holy Spirit inviting you into the wilderness, or are you already there? What is God calling you to let go of, or hold more loosely (beliefs, possessions, identities, regrets, relationships, vocations), so that God can be at your center?
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