Humility in times of temptation

[Theopesta]

from St. Jn. chrysostom about the Temptation of CHRIST on the wilderness [HOMILY XIII.MATT. IV. I]:

the temper try to flatter HIM might he submit HIM by compliments to discover the Great Mystery, by speaking about the power of divinity saying: "If Thou be Son of God?"

but CHRIST answered him from HIS humanity:
"Man shall not live by bread alone."

the divine things always surrounded by simplicity mixed with healthy restraint

Christ signifies Himself not to have consented, either to him then or afterwards to the Jews his partisans, in their demand of signs: invariably instructing us, whatever we may have power to do, yet to do nothing vainly and at random; nor even when want urges to obey the devil

in the 2nd temptation:
the temper said: "If Thou be Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee, and in their hands they shall bear Thee up."

How then doth Christ? He is not indignant, nor provoked, but with that extreme gentleness He reasons with him again from the Scriptures, saying, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God:"(4) teaching us that we must overcome the devil, not by micracles, but by forbearance and long-suffering, and that we should do nothing at all for display and vainglory

IN ONE CHRIST,Theopesta

[Theopesta]

from St. Jn. chrysostom about the Temptation of CHRIST on the wilderness [HOMILY XIII.MATT. IV. I]:

he summarized the temptations in 3 main categories from which many and many appear:

For the things that form the substance of innumerable evils are these: to be a slave to the belly, to do anything for vainglory, to be in subjection to the madness of riches Which accordingly that accursed one considering, set last the most powerful of all, I mean the desire of more.

How then are we to get the better of him?

In the way which Christ that taught us, by fleeing to God for refuge; and neither to be depressed in famine, as believing in God who is able to feed even with a word; nor amidst whatever good things we may receive to tempt Him who gave them, but to be content with the glory which is from above, making no account of that which is of men, and on every occasion to despise what is beyond our need. For nothing doth so make us fall under the power of the devil, as longing for more, and loving covetousness.

[Theopesta]

"0 Lord who shall sojourn in Thy tabernacle?"

when tabernacle is taken in its proper meaning, it is a thing of war..."Who shall sojourn?" For we war with the devil for a time, and then we need a tabernacle wherein we may refresh ourselves.

St. Augustin on expostion of psalm xv

[Clinton R. LeFort]

Peace of Christ be yours,

I work at a fast-food restaurant until the early hours of the Morning. I have chosen this lifestyle not because of the money I make, which is minimum wages, but because of the spiritual knowledge that it is God's will for me to bear my Cross in the world. Many times I have experienced a separation from others and quickly desire to judge others for this fault in my soul, but know that grace calls me to humble my heart. This grace of Christ in this temptation narrative helps me to regain my strength at these times, since it was Jesus who desired to give to us this uncahnging vigilance for us in our temptations.

To his majestic compasison

Clinton R. LeFort




from St. Jn. chrysostom about the Temptation of CHRIST on the wilderness [HOMILY XIII.MATT. IV. I]:

the temper try to flatter HIM might he submit HIM by compliments to discover the Great Mystery, by speaking about the power of divinity saying: "If Thou be Son of God?"

but CHRIST answered him from HIS humanity:
"Man shall not live by bread alone."

the divine things always surrounded by simplicity mixed with healthy restraint

Christ signifies Himself not to have consented, either to him then or afterwards to the Jews his partisans, in their demand of signs: invariably instructing us, whatever we may have power to do, yet to do nothing vainly and at random; nor even when want urges to obey the devil

in the 2nd temptation:
the temper said: "If Thou be Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee, and in their hands they shall bear Thee up."

How then doth Christ? He is not indignant, nor provoked, but with that extreme gentleness He reasons with him again from the Scriptures, saying, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God:"(4) teaching us that we must overcome the devil, not by micracles, but by forbearance and long-suffering, and that we should do nothing at all for display and vainglory

IN ONE CHRIST,Theopesta