GOSPEL

“ He was tempted by Satan,and the angels ministered to him.”

From the Gospel according to Mark 1:12-15

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts,
and the angels ministered to him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

The Gospel of the Lord

Thank you for the temptations.

In situations that bother us, our tendency is to stop it, so that they stop bothering us. But that is not the solution. The solution is to wish that these situations persist to revive the temptation each time, fighting against it until we learn to love in it, and they do not longer bother us. This is what Jesus teaches us by going into the desert for 40 days led by the Holy Spirit. He went to be tempted and to strengthen his human soul in each temptation.

Applied to Married Life:

Flora: Martin! ( Martin,comes from the other end of the house) Can you bring me the glasses on the nightstand?

Martin: (Martin, feeling annoyed, thinks: Why does she have to be so cheeky? Couldn’t she get up herself, instead of making me come all the way here just to go to the bedroom now?. But Martin discovers there is a wound in his heart, caused by laziness. Instead of using this opportunity to love, he complains, judging her. But the source of his discomfort isn’t her, it’s his laziness. Martin acknowledges his disorder and asks for forgiveness from the Lord: Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to overcome my laziness.) Yes, dear (he answers). Right away. (And he brings her the glasses) Anything else?

Flora: Thank you, Martin. Oh well, yes. If you bring me a glass of cold water, I’d appreciate it.

Martin: (Feels the pain of his laziness again, but thanks God for this new opportunity for self-mortification) Of course, Flora. I’ll bring it to you right away. Anything else before I go?

Flora: No, thank you very much, darling.

Mother,

It’s beneficial for us to experience the temptations of the desert. The Lord lived it for 40 days, and it is good for us if it continues throughout our whole lives. Thank you, Lord, for the temptations that strengthen us and allow us to be more Yours by Your grace.