Homily on turning to God in Temptations (24.7.2025)

 Homily on turning to God in Temptations (24.7.2025)

 My dear brothers in Christ,

Today we are reflecting on the theme: the call to turn to God in times of temptation.

What is temptation: “Temptation” is understood as an enticement to act contrary to right reason and the commandments of God. It's an attraction, whether from outside oneself or from within, that pulls us towards sin. Being tempted is not a sin. Even Jesus, who was without sin, experienced temptation (Mt 4:1-11; Lk 4:1-13). Temptation is merely the invitation or allure to do something wrong. Sin only occurs when one consents to the temptation through an act of the will.

Sources of Temptation: The World: This refers to the values, attitudes, and pressures of society that are contrary to God's will. It can be the allure of material possessions, social status, popularity, or conforming to ungodly trends (1 Jn 2:16 speaks of “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”). The Flesh: This refers to the disordered desires and inclinations that remain in human nature as a result of Original Sin, even after Baptism. These are the internal pulls towards immediate gratification, selfish desires, and bodily pleasures that can become sinful if indulged in without proper moral discernment. Saint James 1:14 states, “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” The Devil (Satan): Satan, “the tempter” (Mt 4:3), is a spiritual being who actively seeks to lead humanity away from God and towards eternal ruin. He uses deception, lies, and various schemes to present sin as something desirable or beneficial. The temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3) is a prime example of the devil's cunning.

It's important to clarify that God does not tempt us to do evil. James 1:13: “Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.” However, God permits temptation. He allows us to be tried and tested, not to make us fall, but for several reasons: To test our faith and grow in virtue. Just as a muscle grows stronger with exercise, resisting temptation strengthens our spiritual resolve and builds virtue (James 1:2-3). To reveal our weaknesses: Temptation helps us to know ourselves better, identifying our areas of vulnerability and prompting us to rely more on God's grace. To prove our loyalty and merit: By freely choosing to resist evil and remain faithful to God, we demonstrate our love for Him and earn merit for eternal life. To provide an opportunity for deeper trust in Him: When we overcome temptation through God's grace, our reliance on Him grows stronger.

What is “Turning to God”: signifies a profound and deliberate reorientation of one's entire being – mind, heart, and actions – away from sin and toward God, often translated as “conversion” or “repentance”. A Change of Mind (Repentance): It’s not just feeling bad about sin, but a fundamental change in how one thinks about sin, self, and God. It’s recognizing one's dependence on God and acknowledging one's wrongdoing. The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, literally means “a change of mind.” A Change of Heart (Faith): This involves placing trust and faith in God, specifically in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in the New Testament. It's a conviction of God’s goodness, mercy, and ability to save. A Change of Action (Obedience): True turning to God is not merely an internal shift; it manifests in outward, observable changes in behaviour, moral choices, and a renewed desire to live according to God’s will and commandments. This is often described as “bearing fruit worthy of repentance.” A Relational Concept: It’s about restoring or initiating a relationship with God. In the Old Testament, it's often a “returning” to the covenant relationship. In the New Testament, it’s embracing the reconciliation offered through Christ. God's Initiative and Human Response: While it involves a human decision and effort, the Bible emphasizes that God often initiates this turning through His grace and calling. Our turning is a response to His divine invitation.

In our first reading, Isa 55:6-7, the prophet implores us: “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will richly pardon.” What a powerful invitation! Isaiah reminds us that God is not distant, but near. He is not a stern judge waiting to condemn, but a loving Father eager to forgive. The key, however, is our turning – our active choice to seek Him, to call upon Him, to forsake the ways that lead us astray.

We all know the sting of temptation. It whispers insidious thoughts, presents alluring images, and promises fleeting pleasures. It can be a temptation to anger, to envy, to lust, to sloth, to pride, to gluttony, to avarice. It can be a temptation to despair, to give up, to believe that we are beyond redemption. In those moments, when our resolve weakens and our spirit falters, where do we turn?

Our Gospel reading today, Lk 15:11-32, the parable of the Prodigal Son, provides the most poignant answer. We see a son who, in his youthful arrogance and desire for immediate gratification, demands his inheritance and squanders it in a distant land, living a life of dissipation. He succumbs to the temptations of the world, chasing after fleeting pleasures until he finds himself in utter destitution, feeding pigs – a truly humiliating state for a Jew.

But then, a pivotal moment occurs: “When he came to his senses,” the Gospel tells us, “he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough food, but here I am dying of hunger! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’”

This, my friends, is the essence of turning to God in times of temptation, or more accurately, after succumbing to temptation. It is recognizing our wretchedness, our folly, our sin. It is the humble admission, "I have sinned." But it is not despair! It is the unwavering belief in the Father's love, in His boundless mercy. The son does not wait to be sought out; he goes back. He takes the first step, a step of repentance and hope.

And what happens when he turns? The father, far from being angry or vindictive, sees him “while he was still a long way off” and is filled with compassion. He runs to his son, embraces him, and kisses him. He doesn't demand explanations or inflict punishment. He celebrates! He restores his son to his rightful place, with a robe, a ring, and sandals. This is the heart of our God – a God who is always waiting, always watching, always ready to welcome us back with open arms, regardless of how far we have strayed.

My dear brothers, we are all, at various times, that prodigal son. We all face temptations that lure us away from God's path. When those temptations arise, let us remember Isaiah's call: "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near." Let us not wait until we are in the depths of despair. Let us proactively turn to Him in prayer, in the Sacraments, in His Word.

And if, in our weakness, we do succumb, let us never despair. Let us “come to our senses,” acknowledge our sin, and, like the prodigal son, confidently turn back to our Heavenly Father. For His mercy is greater than any sin, and His love knows no bounds; He is always ready to forgive, to heal, and to restore us to the fullness of His grace.

The Example of Christ’s Temptations: The way to resist temptation: Jesus relied on Scripture, prayer, and unwavering trust in the Father's will.

We Must Be Vigilant and Prayerful: Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus' words to His disciples in Gethsemane highlight the need for spiritual alertness and reliance on God through prayer. 1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kinds of suffering.”

May we always remember that in every temptation, there is an opportunity to strengthen our trust in God, to deepen our reliance on His grace, and to experience the profound joy of His unconditional love and mercy! Amen.