Freedom in Lent - Day 33

There are three things we have to let go of. The first is the compulsion to be successful. Second, is the compulsion to be right-especially theologically right. (That's merely an ego trip, and because of this "need" churches split in half, with both parties prisoners of their own egos.) Finally, there is the compulsion to be powerful, to have everything under control.

                                                                             Richard Rohr

We are often compelled to hold tight to those things which we think might give us value, credibility, or worth in our world, our society, amongst our friends or even family. Holding on to the need to be right, or to feel that we have have achieved something, or that we have amassed enough wealth, influence, power to be of value. We read in the Bible story of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness an account of Jesus' responses to the common temptations of many of us on a spiritual path - to rely on ourselves alone (turn these stones into bread), to manipulate God (jump from the temple), and to gain power and influence (worship me and all the kingdoms of the world shall be yours). Jesus' example is to let go of the desire for all these things and plant himself firmly in the Divine way, of love, of service, and of listening to the voice of God in prayer, Scripture, and one another. May we all find the courage and strength to let go.

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” ’

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,
“Worship the Lord your God,
   and serve only him.” ’

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
“He will command his angels concerning you,
   to protect you”,
and
“On their hands they will bear you up,
   so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’
Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

                                              Luke 4.1-13