Saturday, January 8, 2005
The Saturday after Theophany
12th Vigil of Theophany: 4 Kings 2:19-22 LXX Epistle: Ephesians 6:10-17 Gospel: St. Matthew 4:1-11
St. Matthew 4:1-11, especially vs. 1: "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to
be tempted by the devil." Even the Lord Jesus was tempted. Why? St. John Chrysostom notes: "...He endures also to be
led up thither, and to wrestle against the devil: in order that each of those who are baptized (if after his baptism he have to
endure greater temptation) may not be troubled as if the result were unexpected....." St. Seraphim of Sarov warns us of the
same: "We must always be attentive to the assaults of the devil; for can we hope that he will leave us without temptation,
when he did not leave our Founder and Source of faith and Perfecter, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself?"
Temptation is our human lot (1 Cor. 10:13). But observe, Beloved: the Lord Jesus had a greater purpose in undergoing
temptation than merely to remove the surprise of it. As the great Commander of the armies in heaven (Rev. 19:14), He
aims at our survival in combat. Therefore we must be alert to "watch our flank." And more: the Lord went into the desert
to be tempted because He desires that each disciple understand how and when temptations are going to come.
Surprisingly, the Gospel lesson teaches us that temptations will come to the Faithful just as they did to the Lord Himself,
"at the leading of the Holy Spirit" (Mt. 4:1). The Spirit often drives Christians into the struggle against the whispering of
the prowler. Why? St. John Chrysostom says, "...to teach thee that thou art become much stronger" by being a Christian,
and "...that thou mayest continue modest, neither be exalted...that thou mayest in this way be made stronger and better
tempered than any steel...[and] that thou mayest obtain a clear demonstration of the treasures entrusted to thee." On the
other hand, what of temptation for the non-Christian? With the secularist and those of other religions, temptation is barely
significant. They are already under the management of the enemy, and so they blithefully pursue what the devil provides.
Temptation comes when we are in isolation (vs. 1). As St. Theophylact says of the Lord, "He is led into the wilderness to
show us that the devil tempts us when he sees us alone and without help from others. Therefore we must not put our trust
in ourselves without any counsel from others." The foul one caught Eve when she was apart from Adam. So St. John
Chrysostom suggests that we flock "...together continually, that we may not be open to the devil's attacks."
Temptation comes to us because we are honored by God in the Holy Mystery of the Faith. The Lord rose from His Baptism
(Mt. 3:16). The Spirit came upon Him (Mt. 3:16), and the Father glorified Him: "This is My Beloved Son" (Mt. 3:17).
Remember, the greatest honor is yours. You have been joined to Christ. You died and rose with Him from the Holy
waters. You have been sealed as His Own forever with the Holy Spirit. He has fed you with His Holy Gifts. The devil is
mad with rage and envy that we are honored. He wills to cheat us of our heritage.
Temptation also comes when you have been deprived or demeaned. The devil's name, "Diabolus," means "slanderer." So,
he suggests to Christ "IF Thou be the Son of God" (Mt. 4:3), insinuating that the Lord was abandoned. "Thou art washed"
in the name of the Holy Trinity, not abandoned. Never trust "feelings" of abandonment. "God is the Lord, He hath shown
us light!"
Temptation to turn from God also comes through the allure of power, riches, and this world's tangible pleasures (Mt. 4:8).
The devil paints the picture beautifully to arouse our passions, stir us up and lead us to fall. He offers bread when we are
hungry! (Mt. 4:3). A fast track to fame, the world at our feet, and no Cross. Beware, O my soul!
Blessed is my God, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. O my Deliverer from enemies...from them that arise up
against me wilt Thou lift me high. Ps. 17:47,48 LXX
