First Sunday of Lent A

Fray Onz Antonio, OAR•February 25, 2020
the-temptation-of-jesus1

******

A young man struggling over lustful thoughts and desires approached his Lolo and asked: “At what age do you think temptations of the flesh stop?” The grandfather who was 81 years old confidently replied: “Don’t worry my son, at 80, all of these will disappear… almost automatically!” Even before the grandson could turn his back, a young and sexy lady crossed the street and the old man’s eyes were glued to the crossing beauty. Still gazing at the lady, he called his grandson back and said, “My son, maybe you can add some years more… all these temptations will disappear when you reach the age of 99.”

*****

            The point is that nobody is exempted from temptations. Even Christ himself was tempted. The saints were tempted but the difference is that in the face of all temptations, they hold on to God and chose to do good rather than evil. The young and the old, priests are even tempted. It is part of being human.  Temptations will always be around—anywhere you go…. anytime. Temptations will only cease when you are already six feet below the ground. But the fact is that we can always run away from temptations… we can always overcome them just as much as the Lord and the saints did during their lifetime.

*****

            Let me remind you that to be tempted is not a sin. Christ himself was tempted but He did not commit a sin. It is when you give in to temptation when you commit a sin.

            May kaibahan ang TINUTUKSO sa NAGPAPATUKSO. Ang TINUTUKSO ay hindi nagkakasala….. samantalang ang NAGPAPATUKSO ay nagkakasala.  Ang sinasabi ni Imelda Papin sa kanyang awitin ay  “TUKSO LAYUAN MO AKO.” Sa totoo lang, ito ay may pagkukulang. Ang wasto ay AKO ANG LALAYO SA TUKSO!

*****

2 attitudes towards temptations:

  1.  We can run away from temptations, or, 
  2.  We can run after temptations – meaning to say, we are the ones looking and running after temptations….. in that way we are making Satan jobless.

— When you are face to face with temptation, look for the way out that God has promised and then run as fast as you can.

******

The three temptations of Jesus in the desert are our own temptations:

Just as the demon attacked Jesus in three areas, expect also that the devil will launch his attack against us along these three areas:

  1. Bread—after forty days of fasting, it could have been very enticing for the Lord to look for bread. While we may not hunger for bread, but how often are we tempted by the LURES of wealth, power and comfort.
  1. We are not tempted to throw ourselves into the rocks. But how often are we tempted to throw ourselves onto the rocks of self-pity, worry, anger, resentment, jealousy? These are temptations that can easily crash our spirits.
  1. Finally, most of us would draw back at the thought of bowing to Satan. Yet how easy it is for us to bow before the gods of CAREER, PRESTIGE, SEX, MONEY, POWER and the like believing that all these will give us total fulfillment.

*****

             Are we really totally helplessness in these areas of temptations?  I guess not. Today, Jesus gives us the consolation that no matter how strong the temptation is, as long as we put our trust in the Lord, we can always overcome them. As long as we are clear with our intention to do the will of God we can win with Christ and the saints. Life should be a constant struggle against the forces of evil.

*****

St. Ignatius of Loyola would present to us three images of the strategy of the devil:

  1. The devil is like a woman—a is weak when the enemy is strong; but strong when the enemy is weak. And the devil is like that, too.
  2. The devil is like a general of an army—he looks for the weakness of the enemy and put force where the enemy is weak.
  3. The devil is like a false lover—the false lover always wants things to be in secret. Sin thrives in secrecy. The devil keeps the whole affair in secret for a long time and later brings out the secret to the public.

*****

            Be alert because Satan is so astute… he will always present evil as something good, as something harmless… but in reality, they are deadly. He says Your God wants you to be MISERABLE …. BUT I WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY! But in reality, what you enjoy 20 minutes of pleasure would be equal to suffering in hell for eternity.

            The temptations offered by the devil were an easy way out (examples- money easy by corruption, gambling, gratification by drugs, abortion) … BUT Jesus followed the HARD WAY.

*****

             He could have done something sensational – simply perform a miracle and the people would have followed him easily. BUT He chose the WAY of the CROSS.

*****

            So watch and pray for the devil is like a ROARING LION LOOKING ALWAYS FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR. When you are face to face with temptation, look for the way out that God has promised and then run as fast as you can and turn to God.

*****

More posts about:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fray Onz Antonio, OAR

Fray Onz Antonio, OAR

Priest/Religious of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

1 thought on “First Sunday of Lent A”

Leave a Comment

< 2020 >
April
Month
Month
List
Week
Day
SMTuWThFS
   1
  • All day
    April 1, 2020

    USJ-R: FINALS FOR NON-GRADUATING / April 1-2

    CSNT-R: RECOGNITION DAY

    SSC-R MANILA: MOVING-UP (GRADE 10)

2
  • All day
    April 2, 2020

    ST. PEDRO CALUNGSOD

    15th DEATH ANNIVERSARY (2005-2020) OF ST. JOHN PAUL II

    CSNT-R: COMPLETION RITES

    USJ-R: RECOGNITION DAY (SHS)

3
  • All day
    April 3, 2020

    PATRONAL FIESTA
    Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer, Talisay City, Negros Occidental 10:00AM –Mass Presider & Homilist: Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, DD

    SPA-R: MOVING-UP, COMPLETION, & GRADUATION CEREMONIES

    CSNT-R: GRADUATION & SILVER COMMENCEMENT

    USJ-R: BACCALAUREATE MASS (COLLEGE, LAW, GRADE SCHOOL)

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (1994-2020)
    Fray Cirilo Andan

    ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION
    (1981-2020)
    Most Rev. Gabriel Reyes, D.D. (Diocese of Antipolo)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Fray Melquiades Modequillo
    Sr. Ma. Mercedes de los Sgdos Corazones, AR
    Sr. Aurelia Cagang, AR

4
  • All day
    April 4, 2020

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS (cf. LAMP 5c)

    USJ-R: COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES / END OF CLASSES

    UNO-R: GRADUATION DAY

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Mo. Mercedes del Sgdo. Corazon de Jesus

5
  • All day
    April 5, 2020

    PALM / PASSION SUNDAY

    WORLD YOUTH DAY 2020
    Theme: “Young man, I say to you, arise!” (Lk. 7:14)

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Vincent Cadeliña
    Fray Jhyryx Vincent Gamulo

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (1997-2020)
    Fray Ferdinand Fornilos
    Fray Julius Marcos
    Fray Cristopher Maspara
    Fray Corvin Maturan
    Fray Vicente Ramon Jr.
    Fray Anthony Morillo

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Sr. Toribia de la Virgen de la Paz, AR
    Sr. Ma. Cristina Verzosa, AR
    Sr. Ma. Resurreccion Jayme, AR

6
  • All day
    April 6, 2020

    USJ-R: BACCALAUREATE MASS (SHS)

7
  • All day
    April 7, 2020

    USJ-R: COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES (SHS)

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Jonathan Jamero

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (1996-2020)
    Fray Sixto Bitangjol

8
  • All day
    April 8, 2020

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Leo Alaras

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Sr. Maria de Santa Rita, AR
    Sr. Candida Umali, AR

9
  • All day
    April 9, 2020

    DAY OF VALOR/ARAW NG KAGITINGAN

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Walthrode Conde
    Sr. Ma. Dolores Daquilanea, AR

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (2006-2020)
    Fray Radni Caparas
    Fray Dexter Palagtiosa

10
  • All day
    April 10, 2020

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Lounal Jarumay
    Sr. Querubina Cabillon, AR
    Sr. Ingrid Gueriña, AR

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Sr. Brigida Jamisola, AR

11
  • All day
    April 11, 2020

    BIRTHDAY
    Mike Dave Tilar (RAY-Laray)

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (1993-2020)
    Fray Ronel Gealon

12
  • All day
    April 12, 2020

    EASTER SUNDAY BLESSING “URBI ET ORBI”

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Joel Dequilla
    April Loraine Lucero (RAY-Balamban)

13
  • All day
    April 13, 2020

    BIRTHDAY
    Sr. Fidela Advincula, AR
    Sr. Herminilda Ceniza, AR

    RST: THEOLOGY DAYS / April 13-15

    UNO-R: START OF ENROLMENT FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (1980-2020)
    Archbp. Peter Liu Cheng-chung, D.D. (Archdiocese of Kaohsiung)

14
  • All day
    April 14, 2020

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Neil Robert Alilain (simply prof.)
    Br. Lloyd Jorem Terania (prenov seminarian)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE & SOLEMN PROFESSIONS
    (1966-2020; 1969-2020)
    Fray Joaquin Jamelo

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    Most Rev. Victor Bendico, D.D. (Bishop of Baguio)
    Most Rev. Socrates Mesiona, MSP, D.D. (Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa)

    (2012-2020)
    Fray Nestor Raras
    Fray James Castelo
    Fray Rellyric Delos Santos
    Fray Ralph Laureen Ciceron

15
  • All day
    April 15, 2020

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Bp. Gregorio Espiga, OAR, D.D.

16
  • All day
    April 16, 2020

    RST: LAKBAY ARAL / April 16-17

    UNO-R: START OF ENROLMENT FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

    BIRTHDAY
    Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI
    Sr. Marissa Tepora, AR
    Sr. Maria Veronica Mendez, AR

1718
  • All day
    April 18, 2020

    70th ANNIVERSARY (1970-2020) OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CATHOLIC HIERARCHY IN NIGERIA, GHANA, CAMEROON AND SIERRA LEONE

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Amado Lucero
    Sr. Ma. Esperanza Escaño, AR

19
  • All day
    April 19, 2020

    DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK (cf. LAMP 5c)

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (1992-2020)
    Fray Joel Naranja
    Fray Emilio Edgardo Quilatan
    Fray Antonio Limchaypo

    (2009-2020)
    Fray Arian Josef Ocheda Fray Samuel Eyas

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Sr. Gregoria Ibarra, AR

20
  • All day
    April 20, 2020

    GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING
    April 20-24, 2020 / Rome

    USJ-R & UNO-R: START OF SUMMER CLASSES

    CST-R: EARLY ENROLMENT FOR GRADES 7-11 / April 20-25

    CSNT-R: STARTOF ENROLMENT

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (2003-2020)
    Fray Glynn Ortega
    Fray Albert Pellazar

21
  • All day
    April 21, 2020

    MEETING OF THE TEAM OF REVITALIZATION OF THE ORDER (ERO)
    April 21-25, 2020 / Rome

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION
    (1990-2020)
    Fray Rouel Sia
    Fray Joel Villaruel

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Fray Cirilo Durana

22
  • All day
    April 22, 2020

    EARTH DAY (cf. LAMP 52)

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Persiuz Joseph Decena
    Fray Helfrid Palmis (simply prof.)
    Alyssa Kate Alviola (RAY-Valencia)

23
  • All day
    April 23, 2020

    BIRTHDAY
    Sr. Marilou Delmoro, AR

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (2000-2020)
    Fray Urbano Galanido
    Fray Mark Rochele Renacia
    Fray Renie Villalino

24
  • All day
    April 24, 2020

    JUBILARIANS – AR SISTERS
    Thanksgiving Mass Presider: Most Rev. Alberto Uy, DD San Sebastian Basilica / 9:00 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Bob Cabanag
    Fray Rafael Pecson

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION
    (1994-2020)
    Fray Amado Emmanuel Bolilia Fray Jonathan Caballero

    (1999-2020)
    Fray Romeo Ben Potencio

    (2004-2020)
    Fray Renier Alviola
    Fray Bob Cabanag
    Fray Arian Josef Ocheda
    Fray Christopher Gaspar

25
  • All day
    April 25, 2020

    USJ-R: ETEEAP COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES & BACCALAUREATE MASS

    BIRTHDAY
    Sr. Hermina Billate, AR

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION
    (1987-2020)
    Fray Cirilo Andan
    Fray Leander Barrot
    Fray Leopoldo Estioko
    Fray Antonio Limchaypo
    Fray Gaudencio Geronimo de Mesa, Jr.
    Fray Nemesio Tolentin

    (1992-2020)
    Fray Ferdinand Fornilos
    Fray Julius Marcos
    Fray Cristopher Maspara
    Fray Corvin Maturan
    Fray Anthony Morillo
    Fray Vicente Ramon, Jr.

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION
    (2014-2020)
    Fray Jose Teodulfo Jadulco
    Fray Hector Gonzales
    Fray Jess Marco Sanchez

26
  • All day
    April 26, 2020

    3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Raymund Rueann Alcedo
    Sr. Constancia Reyes, AR

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION
    (1997-2020)
    Fray Raymund Rueann Alcedo
    Fray Louie Gabinete
    Fray Jay Parilla
    Fray Albert Pellazar
    Fray Niño Cesar Ruiz
    Fray Jerome Virtudazo

    (2003-2020)
    Fray Roy Baluarte
    Fray Allan Rubett Cabatian
    Fray Samuel Eyas
    Fray Dominador Mercado, Jr.
    Fray Allan Jacinto

    (2014-2020)
    Fray Monday Benjamine Edobor
    Fray Andrie Pugate
    Fray Jovy Gallego
    Fray Jessriel Marcha
    Fray Tomokatsu Yamaguchi
    Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Sr. Ma. Natividad de San Jose, AR

27
  • All day
    April 27, 2020

    MEETING OF THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF APOSTOLATE, WITH ITS PROVINCIAL COUNTERPARTS
    April 27-30, 2020 / Rome

    RST: FINAL EXAMS (GRADUATING) / April 27-30

    CULMINATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIOCESE OF MALAYBALAY
    Eucharistic Celebration / 4:30 p.m. / San Isidro Cathedral, Malaybalay City

    [NOTE: 25TH RECAMSI ACTIVITIES ARE POSTPONED]

    BIRTHDAY
    Sr. Lucille Encabo, AR
    Ivy Ann Panergo (RAY-Urbiztondo)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION
    (1996-2020)
    Fray Jose Alden Alipin
    Fray Don Besana
    Fray James Bumangabang
    Fray Arnel Diaz
    Fray Rommel Rubia
    Fray Edgar Tubio

    (2002-2020)
    Fray Roderick Deguit
    Fray Ian Anthony Espartero
    Fray Teodulo Hayahay
    Fray Excel Saycon

    (2013-2020)
    Fray Kenneth Caligdong
    Fray Kenneth Pahamutang
    Fray Paul Demillones
    Fray Robin Ross Plata
    Fray Niel Ryan Jarumay
    Fray Jorr Rabacal
    Fray Elpedio Sarita, Jr.

28
  • All day
    April 28, 2020

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSIONS (cf. LAMP 5c)

    BIRTHDAY
    Sr. Maria Lirio Guillermo, AR

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION
    (2001-2020)
    Fray Rey Tripulca
    Fray Feliciano Campomanes Jr.
    Fray Roland Cepe
    Fray Henry Santiago
    Fray Anthony Irineo
    Fray Jonathan Jamero
    Fray Russell Lapidez
    Fray Virgilio Paredes Jr.
    Fray Gideon Antolin Lagrimas

    (2012-2020)
    Fray Mark Saludes
    Fray Roweno Eugenio Hamo

29
  • All day
    April 29, 2020

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Hector Gonzales
    Sr. Zosima Tambanillo, AR

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION
    (1989-2020)
    Fray Emilio Jaruda Jr.

    (1995-2020: SILVER JUBILARIANS)
    Fray Urbano Galanido
    Fray Jaazeal Jakosalem
    Fray Mark Rochelle Renacia
    Fray Renie Villalino

    (2006-2020)
    Fray Persiuz Joseph Decena

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION

    (1986-2020)
    Most Rev. Gerardo Alminaza, D.D. (Diocese of San Carlos, Negros Occ.)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY
    Sr. Pilar de San Jose , AR

30
  • All day
    April 30, 2020

    BIRTHDAY
    Fray Jhoben Rodriguez (simply prof.)
    Sr. Mavieve Joy Bernaldez, AR

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION
    (1988-2020)
    Fray Paulino Romel Dacanay
    Fray Ronel Gealon

    (1993-2020)
    Fray Jose Ernil Almayo
    Fray Joel Alve
    Fray Randolph Castulo Castillo Jr.
    Fray Charlito Orobia

    (2000-2020)
    Fray Vincent Cadeliña
    Fray Radni Caparas
    Fray Dexter Palagtiosa

    (2005-2020)
    Fray Michael Catama
    Fray William Cordero Jr.
    Fray Kenneth Joseph Onda
    Fray James Dexter Tanquis

    (2011-2020)
    Fray Nimrod Launio
    Fray Rafael Pecson
    Fray Jerik Troy Siozon
    Fray John Paul Tanquis
    Fray Jayferson Baldelovar
    Fray Leo Neil Bullos
    Fray Sir Michael Dineros
    Fray John Zachary Haguisan
    Fray Lounal Jarumay
    Fray Enrico Nacorda
    Fray Nelson Plohimon

    (2016-2020)
    Fray Charlemagne Marin Jr.
    Fray Ramon Bitancor III

  

Recent Posts

Categories

Tags

Bohol@250 Carmel400 Educational Apostolate featured Formation History la salud Ministerial