Crosses and Temptations: The Trials of Life

Part of the human condition involves daily sufferings and trials. Our troubles often come in the form of spiritual crosses and temptations. The Lenten season is always a great time to reflect on our trials, and to rely on God more fully to help us muddle through.

SPIRITUAL CROSSES
It's not easy to accept our crosses in life. Most times we grapple with our situation, and end up scratching our head - asking God WHY and HOW COME. Hopefully we reach a point where we accept His plan for us. We many even come to the realization that God places these crosses (big and small) in our path so that we draw closer to Him. When I reflect on my crosses, I can see the many instances where God was trying to get my attention...trying to draw me back to Him. Our God in Heaven is a wise and loving Father. I believe He gives us spiritual crosses so that we are constantly reminded that He is in control of our lives. We can't make it without Him.

ACTION - Spend some time with prayers that reflect on Christ's sufferings:

• Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary
• The Way of the Cross
• Devotion to the Five Sacred Wounds of Jesus
• Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
  

TEMPTATION
As I "tune into God" this Lenten season, and look inward - I'm also reflecting on TEMPTATION. At the start of Lent we saw how Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert. He accepted the will of the Father and resisted the temptations. Victory was His!

Temptations are a different earthly trial for us. We are never entirely safe from them. Why should we be when Jesus Himself was tempted? Like most, I have had my share of temptation. Some of these interior struggles have been a real test for me.

By definition temptation is an incitement to sin arising from the world (actions or inducements of others), the flesh (our own weaknesses and desire), or the Devil (suggestions by the fallen angels).

"...Temptation is not in itself sin. No matter how vivid the unholy image may be, no matter how strong the inclination to transgress the law, no matter how vehement the sensation of unlawful satisfaction, as long as there is no consent of the will, there is no sin. The very essence of sin in any grade is that it should be a deliberate act of the human will. Attack is not synonymous with surrender...." Catholic Encyclopedia - Temptation

ACTION - Here are some ways we can combat temptation:

• Avoid, where possible, the occasion that give rise to them.
• Prayer, prayer and more prayer.
• Foster within oneself a spirit of humble distrust of one's powers and of unbounded confidence in God.

Our Heavenly Father loves us so much, as evident by the temptations, sufferings and death of His Son. It is a privilege to suffer for His sake. The crosses and temptations that we encounter give us an opportunity to forget self and offer all to God. If we are obedient to His will, hopefully He will grant us the glorious reward of Heaven.