Fighting Temptations

Fr. Christopher Etheridge, IVE
First Sunday of Lent

Today’s Gospel begins sort of abruptly. It begins,

          At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

What “time” is it referring to? Well, in St. Matthew’s Gospel Jesus is led into the desert after the “time” of his baptism. But why, after His baptism and that awe-inspiring spectacle—the descent of the Holy Spirit like a dove and the echoing voice of God the Father proclaiming delight in His Son—would He be led into the desert?

St. John Chrysostom reminds us why.

---

Read More