More than with tenacity, we read the Word with faithfulness, with the certainty that, sooner or later, we will produce fruit for our Christian life. The Word is an inexhaustible well of spiritual experience.
The time of Lent always begins with this account of the temptations of Jesus: he was led into the desert TO BE TEMPTED. Not only the one at the beginning, but all of Jesus’ life has been a life tempted. Tempted by what? To take his own path, to disregard the vulnerable, to act for glory and honor, to seek brilliance and applause. Tempted by self-referentiality. The Father placed Jesus before another path: that of surrender, love for the vulnerable, concern for those who suffer, etc. Jesus has been choosing this path, sometimes more easily, other times more dramatically (remembering the prayer in the garden).
We are not famous, and we do not aspire to the glitter of glory. But we have our selfishness very much alive, and that’s why we suffer many temptations: the temptation of detachment from the fragile, the temptation of always wanting to be right, the temptation of imposing ourselves on the weak while flattering the strong, the temptation of looking only after our money, etc.
How to escape temptation? How to choose a path of humanity that the Father puts before us?
· You are as fragile as others: do not consider yourself superior to others, you are equally fragile and you will carry the song of a hard blow with anyone. Do not think yourself immune to temptation. Be lucid and honest with what you truly are.
· You need a community to help you: family, the parish, and society itself can help you overcome temptation. Indeed, when you open yourself to others, temptation goes away; when you close yourself off from others, you become easy prey for any selfish temptation.
· Rely on prayer: as does Jesus. Praying a little each day can keep you alert to the temptations of selfishness and forgetting the humble. Prayer is a suitable medicine against any temptation.
The word “temptations” suggests what we have traditionally understood as temptations in sexual matters. But there are fields that perhaps we must look at today: the great temptation of social networks to, sheltered by anonymity, insult, deceive, contribute to the ruin of people, etc. What can be a great help for humans becomes a scenario of evil. Be careful with that temptation, which will be very important in the future.
In any case, let us know that we are tempted and that we are also accompanied by the protection of Jesus. He does not leave us alone and accompanies our steps so that we go overcoming, day by day, the great temptation of the selfish and unconcerned self. May this year’s Lent be one of realism and humility.
Fidel Aizpurúa Donazar
February 22, 2026
English version translated with AI