Well Said: Overcoming the Test That Freedom Entails

Today, the Gospel reminds us that Jesus, after being baptized in the River Jordan and impelled by the Holy Spirit who settled upon him and revealed him as the Christ, withdrew for 40 days into the Desert of Judea where he overcame the temptations of Satan (cf. Mk 1: 12-13). Following their Teacher and Lord, Christians also enter the Lenten desert in spirit in order to face with him the "fight against the spirit of evil".

[...]

In meditating on this biblical passage, we understand that to live life to the full in freedom we must overcome the test that this freedom entails, that is, temptation. Only if he is freed from the slavery of falsehood and sin can the human person, through the obedience of faith that opens him to the truth, find the full meaning of his life and attain peace, love and joy.

Pope Benedict XVI, The Joy of Knowing Christ

Angelus, March 5, 2006

Another choice bit from this book I'm enjoying so much. Of course, it is actually still Christmas but we face temptations no matter what time of year it is. I especially love that phrase "to live life to the full in freedom we must overcome the test that this freedom entails..." Without temptation and the chance to resist it, we would not be free ... or human ... at all. Something I must keep in mind when I am struggling along.