The number 40 is rich in meaning in Sacred Scripture: 40 days and nights of rain during the flood, Moses lived for 40 years in the desert and spent 40 days on Mount Sinai, the Israelites spent 40 years in the desert on their journey to the Promised Land, Elijah fasted 40 days on Mount Horeb, and Jesus fasted 40 days in the desert (and this is not an exhaustive list). We entered into the solemn time of Lent on Ash Wednesday in which “the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 540).  The reading for the First Sunday of Lent should move us to reflect on the nature of temptation in general and how it specifically affects each of us.

So, what is temptation? The Catholic Encyclopedia defines it as “an incitement to sin whether by persuasion or by the offer of some good or pleasure.” Temptation comes when we are drawn to an apparent good that will actually harm us. Salvation history begins with this ever-present problem when Adam and Eve perceive the fruit to be good for them, though they were warned otherwise. This understanding of temptation makes sense. When I perceive something that will be harmful to me, I avoid it. When I perceive something that will (I think) be good for me, I desire it. How often do we look back in remorse about something that we thought sounded like a good idea at the time?

What tempts you? Are you aware of these temptations so that you can, as the Act of Contrition reminds us, “avoid the near occasions of sin”? Are you drawn more toward sins of the spirit (pride, envy, anger, greed) or toward sins of the flesh (lust, gluttony, sloth)?  The ancient maxim “know thyself” can go a long way toward avoiding temptation and sin. Since I was a child, I was drawn more toward sins of the flesh (though I am prone, like everyone, to spiritual sins).  Temperance has always been a difficult virtue for me, but one of the greatest beauties of the Church is the Sacrament of Confession because it helps to give us the grace we need to struggle against temptation and sin.

Lent is a wonderful and trying time for many Catholics, myself included. I see the opportunity to draw closer to God (or to allow Him to draw me closer), yet the calls to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving give me a sense of dread. Moderation, after all, is difficult for me. But it’s not about me. It's about God. Why is that so hard to remember? Why is it so hard to remember that fasting is a penance for my sins which have offended God and ruptured our relationship? The ratio of feeling sorry for myself while fasting and offering up my fasting as a sacrifice is about 10:1. But, having said all of this, should I be discouraged? No! Our loving Father in heaven never stops calling us, never ceases offering his grace, never tires of forgiving. He is ready to help fight temptation. Are you ready to stop fighting all alone and ask him to fight for you and with you? I pray that this Lent is fruitful for you and that you may not be led into temptation.

Adam Owens was raised Catholic but fell away from the faith as a young adult. His reversion ten years later inspired him to learn and live the Catholic faith and to help others do the same. He is married to Morgan and they have five children.