Temptation can be defined as an act that appears appealing to a person. Within the Christian moral domain temptation is an invitation to sin. Unless the will of the person consents to it, temptation cannot by itself bring about the spiritual, and, in some cases, corporeal destruction of the one who is tempted. Temptation needs a weak will to embrace it for it to carry on its intended purpose.
One of the Desert Fathers recounts the following story to illustrate this point. The cedars of Lebanon said one day, “Though we stand so strong and tall, a little piece of iron can fell us! But if we did not give the iron a little bit of ourselves, even though it is iron it would not be able to fell us”. For of course men need some wood to make the axe that they use to cut down the tree. Our souls are the trees. The devil is the iron, but the handle is our own will. That is what makes us fall.
Even though a person is constantly besieged by the seductions of what is evil, the human person has in herself/himself the power to say no to them and decide for God. The Bible does not beat around the bush on this point. It poignantly portrays the Evil One as the tempter who is ceaselessly trying to devour us, God’s beloved children. It warns us to be on our toes. We need to be very careful when facing the Evil One and his malicious enticements. “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith…” (1 Pt 5, 8-9). The message is quite clear: avoid the occasion of sin! Since the Evil One thrives where there is confusion, the secret of overcoming temptation is to address directly by naming it and depart from it by another way (see Matt 2, 12).
In one of his sermons, Caesarius of Arles explains the above scriptural text taken from the first letter of Peter. “The devil is bound like a dog on a chain. He cannot bite anyone unless, having no concern about the danger, they go too close… He can bark, he can whine and entice, but he can bite only those who go close and let him. In fact it is not in any way by forcing us, but simply by enticing us that he is able to harm us. He cannot force our consent, but only try to solicit it” (Sermons, 121. 6). Thus, our own share of responsibility for falling into sin always remains, even if there are different degrees of responsibility involved when a sin is committed.
In the prayer Jesus taught us we pray to Our Father in heaven “lead us not into temptation” (Matt 6, 13). This verse can be explained by what St Paul writes: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10, 13). Traditionally, fasting, avoiding the occasion of sin, praying and doing acts of charity are fruitful ways with which temptation is not only overcome but also turned into a moment of intense faithfulness to the Lord Jesus.
Lord Jesus protect me from every evil. Strenghten my will, enlighten my mind, guide my words so that in every action I give you glory. Lord I ask this in your name and through the motherly and powerful intercession of Mary, Your Mother and mine. AMEN.
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap San Gwann