THROUGH UNTRUE

Temptations are like credit cards: enjoyable until the bill arrives. Temptations are powerful “triggers” seducing us to experience what appears good or pleasurable. They often awaken immoral and illicit desires that lead to regrettable outcomes. But take note: temptations are not, in themselves, sinful. It is when we yield to them that they become sins. So, before signing the contract with the devil, it is wise to read the fine print.

Certainly, it is not only the devil who tempts us. We can be lured into sin by other people, our life circumstances, and even our own desires, passions, or selfish interests (James 1:14-15). Nowadays, the internet and social media offer a wide array of temptations through services and products disguised as pleasurable shortcuts, enticing us to indulge our appetites anytime, anywhere, with a minimum of effort, cost, or sacrifice.  

Dealing with temptations can be a daily struggle. One question we grapple with is: “Why is this wrong when it feels so right?” St. Paul's lament echoes this sentiment: “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I wrong.” (Romans 7:15).  Many of us resolve this conflict by just giving in to temptation. One comedian quips: “When the temptation is irresistible, relax and enjoy it. You’ll be satisfied and at peace.”  

But not for long. No matter how enjoyable or pleasurable sin may seem, the possibility of being found out worries us no end. That is why most sins are done in secret or in the dark. Also, when the deed is done, feelings of guilt, shame, and regret haunt us. We drown out these negative feelings with excuses, like “I can't help it. I was born this way.”

Habitually yielding to temptation blinds us to its lethal consequences. We reassure ourselves by saying: “My conscience is clean.” In reality, we have simply succeeded in numbing it. With an anesthetized conscience, we no longer feel compelled to repent and seek forgiveness. This is what Jesus refers to as “the sin against the Holy Spirit,” an unforgivable offense. For, how can we be forgiven when we refuse to acknowledge our need for it?

Today’s Gospel reading tells us that Jesus Himself experienced temptation (Mark 1:12-15). St. Thomas Aquinas gives three reasons why Jesus allowed Himself to be tempted. First, Jesus wants to teach us that no one is exempt or immune from temptations. As stated in the Letter to the Hebrews 4:15-16: “We have Jesus, our high priest who can empathize with our weaknesses, for He has been tempted in every way, just as we are.” However, it concludes with: “Yet He did not sin.” 

So, the second reason why Jesus allowed Himself to be tested is, He wants to teach us that it is possible to overcome temptations because He has done so. This underscores the significance of the petition in the Lord's Prayer: “Lead us not into temptation.” At first glance, this petition seems to imply that God purposely sets us up to sin. However, God, who is all good, will never do that. Rather, we pray that if God allows us to be tempted, we may realize that we cannot triumph through our own efforts alone. St. Paul declares: “God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. In His kindness, He will show you a way out so that you can bear the difficulty of resisting it” (1 Corinthians 12-13).
Thirdly, Jesus teaches us that temptations strengthen our resolve to align our decisions with our long-term goals and moral values. Furthermore, knowing how vulnerable we are to temptation develops our empathy for others who face similar struggles. We become more forgiving and compassionate, willing to assist them in their quest for redemption. As a wise person once advised: “Love your crooked neighbor with your crooked heart.”